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Orioye Bukola SamuelScramble for Dominance (Africa)2023
2023
$12,000
£9,108.24
€10,643.54
CA$16,725.04
A$18,854.77
CHF 9,993.61
MX$232,451.05
NOK 121,484.69
SEK 116,766.12
DKK 79,382.62
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About the Item
Scramble for Dominance (Africa) is a visually arresting and conceptually layered oil painting that merges historical commentary with contemporary elegance. At the center of the piece stands a poised Black figure, adorned in a deep red garment that evokes strength and resilience. Perched on her head is a beaded crown that references both royalty and masquerade regalia—a direct nod to African cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
The textured black background—seemingly abstract at first glance—reveals inscribed symbols and a fragmented periodic table of elements, evoking ideas of power, value, and exploitation. This subtle yet deliberate layering reflects the colonial carving up of Africa for resource extraction, symbolizing the tension between cultural pride and historical trauma.
This is not just a painting; it is a visual thesis on identity, heritage, and the persistent aftershocks of colonization.
this work commands value not only for its technical mastery—evident in the rich, hyperreal rendering of the figure and fabric—but also for its intellectual and emotional depth. It is part of Bukola Orioye’s wider practice of “questioning the present through the past for a better future,” making it both timeless and timely.
This is a museum-quality piece that speaks to collectors of African contemporary art, postcolonial discourse, and symbolism-driven portraiture. The craftsmanship, narrative weight, and sculptural surface quality elevate this painting beyond decorative art—it is a legacy piece.
In person, this painting exudes presence. The figure’s gaze is both vulnerable and defiant, inviting viewers into a quiet confrontation with history. The reds of the garment shimmer subtly with natural light, while the crown—richly detailed—draws the eye upward into the realm of mythology and ancestral power.
The background is textured with inscriptions and carvings that may go unnoticed in photographs, but reward in-person viewing with layers of meaning. The work is in pristine condition, gallery-wrapped and professionally handled.
This piece was completed in 2023 as part of Bukola Orioye’s ongoing exploration into the legacy of colonization and the reclaiming of African identities. The title Scramble for Dominance refers to the “Scramble for Africa,” the historical period in which European powers divided and exploited the continent with little regard for its people.
By placing a proud African figure at the center—reclaiming adornment, gaze, and space—the artist offers a counter-narrative: one of beauty, awareness, and reclaiming power.
This is a one-of-a-kind original painting, not a reproduction or part of a series.
The materials used (high-quality oil paints on canvas) were chosen for durability and longevity.
Ideal for collectors of contemporary African art, historical commentary, or figurative realism.
Ships in tube. Framing optional upon request.
Artist certificate of authenticity included.
- Creator:Orioye Bukola Samuel (1993, Nigerian)
- Creation Year:2023
- Dimensions:Height: 72 in (182.88 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 cm)Depth: 0.2 in (5.08 mm)
- More Editions & Sizes:60 X 72 inPrice: $12,000
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Ibadan, NG
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2878216485002
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