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Bukola OrioyeRonke-Enigma2022
2022
$2,880
£2,154.87
€2,500.90
CA$4,010.04
A$4,510.41
CHF 2,339.45
MX$54,714.58
NOK 29,662.87
SEK 27,914.42
DKK 18,657.44
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About the Item
Ronke-Enigma is a deeply evocative and visually striking oil painting that celebrates Black femininity, cultural memory, and the quiet strength of identity. Rendered in exquisite detail, this portrait captures the poise and presence of a woman named Ronke; her gaze unwavering, intelligent, and deeply introspective. Her name, rooted in Yoruba culture, connects her to a heritage that carries both pride and pain, mystery and resilience.
What makes this piece unique is its ability to hold silence and meaning in perfect balance. The subject's expression suggests both invitation and distance, giving the work a timeless, almost sacred quality. The matte texture of her skin contrasts softly with the sheen of her eyes and the sculptural weight of her traditional hairstyle, finished with red thread, a subtle nod to ritual, adornment, or spiritual significance. Her body is turned in three-quarter view, subtly lit, and painted with painstaking realism that speaks to the artist’s mastery of skin tone, texture, and emotional nuance.
The creamy off-white background isolates the figure completely, giving viewers no distraction, only space to reflect. This starkness, far from empty, heightens the emotional presence of the sitter, making the painting feel like a mirror, a question, or even a memory the viewer is trying to recall. A sculptural form across her chest perhaps a cloth, a symbol, or a conceptual vessel adds an ambiguous but deliberate layer of mystery. It asks for interpretation while resisting certainty. That’s the core of the Enigma.
Why is this piece worth $4,500?
This is not merely a beautiful portrait it is a rare convergence of fine craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and quiet intellectual power. The price reflects the technical precision in execution, the depth of its symbolism, and the scarcity of works that so honestly portray African beauty and complexity without exoticization. It’s also part of a broader contemporary art movement reclaiming African narratives and reasserting the presence of Black bodies in the canon of portraiture, but with a voice uniquely intimate and locally rooted.
Background and Artist Context:
Ronke - Enigma was completed in 2022, a year marked by global uncertainty and social reckoning. The painting is part of a larger body of work by Bukola Orioye that seeks to “question the present through the past for a better future.” As a Nigerian artist trained in chemistry and mentored within traditional art circles, Orioye brings both analytical precision and deep cultural intuition to his figurative work. This painting, like much of his practice, honors the historical while firmly grounded in the contemporary.
Condition:
This painting is in pristine condition. It has been professionally stored and handled with care since its completion. The oil on canvas is stable, with no signs of warping, cracking, or discoloration. It is unframed, allowing collectors to choose a custom frame that complements its tone and scale.
For Potential Collectors:
This is a museum-quality piece suited for collectors who appreciate thoughtful portraiture, African cultural themes, and emotionally charged realism. It would elevate both private and institutional collections. The minimalism of the palette allows it to integrate into various interiors, yet its emotional weight ensures it always holds the room.
- Creator:Bukola Orioye (Nigerian)
- Creation Year:2022
- Dimensions:Height: 36 in (91.44 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Ibadan, NG
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2878216601052
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