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Cyprien Tokoudagba, (b. Benin, 1939 - 2012) Acrylic on canvas Signed `Tokoudagba Cyprien Benin
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Description
Cyprien Tokoudagba, (b. Benin, 1939 - 2012) Acrylic on canvas Signed `Tokoudagba Cyprien Benin Abomey` (lower right) 162 x 130cm (63.8 x 51.2in)
Framed and Glazed
Cyprien Tokoudagba was born in 1939 and died in 2012. He lived and worked in Abomey, Benin.
At an early age, Tokoudagba was sent to a Vodun temple to learn the skills of the priesthood, whilst he chose not to follow a career as a priest, Vodun religious symbols can be seen throughout his work. In addition, his work as an art restorer at The National Museum in Abomey, gave him a profound understanding of Benin`s rich cultural and religious history, which was central to his own paintings that are steeped in symbolism and mythology.
`Ayéfodo` is a Yoruba word that means `life is long- you never know what can happen`. This work references the Egungun: traditional secret societies that invoke the spirits of dead ancestors to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the community and deliver messages, warnings and blessings to the community.
In this painting, the Egungun is holding a blue stick with the symbol of the elephant, which means `I am as strong as an elephant in the middle of a river (the blue colour of the stick and plate represents the river), I fear no one`.
In 1989, Cyprien left Benin for the first time to exhibit at `Magiciens de la Terre` in Paris, France. His works have since been exhibited in museums and galleries Internationally including, solo exhibitions at; Ifa-Galerie, and Allemagneifa-Galerie, Germany (1995) and Musée du Cloître, Tulle, France (1995) and selected group exhibitions, including; Biennale Bénin (2012), Marrakech Art Fair (2010) African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection, Houston (2005), Africa Remix (2004), Rendering Visible : Contemporary Art from the Republic of Benin, October Gallery, London, (2000-2001), Out of Africa, Saatchi Collection, London (1992). Acquired directly from the artist A private collection, France Click here to view Catalogue
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Cyprien Tokoudagba, (b. Benin, 1939 - 2012) Acrylic on canvas Signed `Tokoudagba Cyprien Benin Abomey` (lower right) 162 x 130cm (63.8 x 51.2in)
Framed and Glazed
Cyprien Tokoudagba was born in 1939 and died in 2012. He lived and worked in Abomey, Benin.
At an early age, Tokoudagba was sent to a Vodun temple to learn the skills of the priesthood, whilst he chose not to follow a career as a priest, Vodun religious symbols can be seen throughout his work. In addition, his work as an art restorer at The National Museum in Abomey, gave him a profound understanding of Benin`s rich cultural and religious history, which was central to his own paintings that are steeped in symbolism and mythology.
`Ayéfodo` is a Yoruba word that means `life is long- you never know what can happen`. This work references the Egungun: traditional secret societies that invoke the spirits of dead ancestors to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the community and deliver messages, warnings and blessings to the community.
In this painting, the Egungun is holding a blue stick with the symbol of the elephant, which means `I am as strong as an elephant in the middle of a river (the blue colour of the stick and plate represents the river), I fear no one`.
In 1989, Cyprien left Benin for the first time to exhibit at `Magiciens de la Terre` in Paris, France. His works have since been exhibited in museums and galleries Internationally including, solo exhibitions at; Ifa-Galerie, and Allemagneifa-Galerie, Germany (1995) and Musée du Cloître, Tulle, France (1995) and selected group exhibitions, including; Biennale Bénin (2012), Marrakech Art Fair (2010) African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection, Houston (2005), Africa Remix (2004), Rendering Visible : Contemporary Art from the Republic of Benin, October Gallery, London, (2000-2001), Out of Africa, Saatchi Collection, London (1992). Acquired directly from the artist A private collection, France Click here to view Catalogue
The African Art Auction: Contemporary and Modern Art from Africa and its Diaspora
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The African Art Auction:
Contemporary and Modern Art from Africa and its Diaspora
Specialist in charge: Ed Cross
To contact Ed Cross directly, email: ed@edcrossfineart.com
To contact The Auction Room, email Georgia Spray: georgia.spray@theauctionroom.com, +44 (0) 20 7499 4406
Shipping:
For all pre-sale and post-sale enquiries and to request a shipping quotation, please contact Connoisseur International, telephone: +44 (0)20 8572 2955, or email: connoisseur@theauctionroom.com
Absentee Bidding Now Open - Please register to bid
Private View: 17th October, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Public Exhibition of all works in the auction: 18th October, 10am - 3pm
The Music Room
26 South Molton Lane, Mayfair
London W1K 5LF
Contemporary and Modern Art from Africa and its Diaspora
Specialist in charge: Ed Cross
To contact Ed Cross directly, email: ed@edcrossfineart.com
To contact The Auction Room, email Georgia Spray: georgia.spray@theauctionroom.com, +44 (0) 20 7499 4406
Shipping:
For all pre-sale and post-sale enquiries and to request a shipping quotation, please contact Connoisseur International, telephone: +44 (0)20 8572 2955, or email: connoisseur@theauctionroom.com
Absentee Bidding Now Open - Please register to bid
Private View: 17th October, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Public Exhibition of all works in the auction: 18th October, 10am - 3pm
The Music Room
26 South Molton Lane, Mayfair
London W1K 5LF
