Ben Enwonwu: Global Perspectives on an African Modernist
This talk convenes art historians, curators, collectors, and enthusiasts to critically examine the oeuvre and legacy of Ben Enwonwu, a pioneering Nigerian modernist. The programme will feature in-depth analyses of Enwonwu's innovative synthesis of traditional African art and modernist idioms, with a focus on his impact on global artistic trends and the contemporary art market
Archived Event
| Dates | Sat 18 Oct 2025 |
| Times | 11am–12pm |
| Space | Screening Room |
| Price | Free with purchase of a Fair ticket |
The programme will commence with a short documentary (5 minutes) depicting a biographical introduction to Enwonwu's life and artistic trajectory, followed by Oliver Enwonwu, Founder & Executive Director of the Ben Enwonwu Foundation, discussing his father's artistic responses to colonialism and cultural identity (20 minutes). Hannah O'Leary, Senior Advisor, Modern African Art, Sotheby's, will present an analysis of Enwonwu's market performance, highlighting trends and demand for his works.There will then be a moderated panel discussion of Ben Enwonwu’s influences on contemporary art (20 minutes) before concluding with a 15 minute Q and A session.
Moderator
Louis Jebb, Managing Editor of Right Click Save
Panelists
Nike Awoyinka, Founder and CEO of Inklar; Azubuike Nwagbogu, Founder & Director of the African Artists’ Foundation and Lagos Photo Festival
Michael Graham Stewart, Independent Art Collector, Dealer, and Photographer
Mary Evans, Director of Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, London
Hannah O'Leary, Senior Advisor, Modern African Art, Sotheby's
You must purchase a Fair ticket for the same day as your talk. This talk takes place in The Screening Room and will commence promptly at the scheduled time, so please arrive five minutes before the start to avoid disappointment.
Header image: Working on the portrait sculpture of frontline politician Chief K. Ozumba Mbadiwe