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Orioye Bukola SamuelRetrospection (Gelede) - African Portrait Painting with Traditional Yoruba Mask2023
2023
$3,500
£2,644.94
€3,096.41
CA$4,887.66
A$5,499.07
CHF 2,913.62
MX$67,906.54
NOK 35,717.90
SEK 34,319.97
DKK 23,097.35
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About the Item
Retrospection (Gelede) is a visually elegant and symbolically potent portrait by Nigerian contemporary artist Bukola Orioye, whose work consistently explores the interweaving of identity, memory, and African spiritual traditions.
This piece portrays a poised Black woman in vivid traditional attire, adorned with a Gelede mask - an ancestral artifact of the Yoruba people known for honoring feminine power, wisdom, and social harmony. Her expression is grounded and introspective, inviting the viewer into a reflective dialogue between self, culture, and spirit. Behind her, luminous green leaves bloom gently, suggesting fertility, healing, and connection to the earth.
What Makes It Unique:
Cultural Depth: The use of a Gelede mask as both a crown and spiritual symbol elevates this painting from portraiture to cultural homage. It acknowledges the sacred roles of women in Yoruba cosmology and the endurance of indigenous knowledge systems.
Oval Format: The rare oval canvas breaks from traditional formats, echoing classical portraiture while asserting a distinct, contemporary voice.
Masterful Execution: Orioye’s layering of oil and acrylic creates a subtle interplay of textures, gloss against matte, deep shadows against vivid color that gives the figure dimensional presence and emotional weight.
Personal and Political: The painting is both intimate and historical. It reflects Orioye’s broader practice of "questioning the present through the past for a better future," offering a powerful meditation on identity, heritage, and Black resilience.
Why It’s Worth $3,000:
This piece combines fine technique, rare composition, and cultural symbolism that speaks directly to collectors of African contemporary art. Its emotional depth and historic reference make it a standout in portrait-based works. As Orioye’s profile continues to grow internationally, this piece offers strong investment potential while remaining a profound visual and spiritual statement.
Additional Details:
Condition: Excellent; professionally finished edges and ready for framing or display.
Signature: Signed and dated by the artist on the front.
Provenance: From the artist’s studio in Osogbo, Nigeria a city known for its UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage.
Style: Contemporary African portraiture with cultural symbolism and spiritual undertones.
- Creator:Orioye Bukola Samuel (1993, Nigerian)
- Creation Year:2023
- Dimensions:Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)Diameter: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Ibadan, NG
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2878216515902
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