Ape Paintings

Dated: 1987/55 Signed and dated upper edge Provenance: The artist Coe Kerr Gallery, New York Wright Gallery, New York Private collection, New York (Purchased from above, 1995) This...

The painting of an orangutan immersed in his thoughts transports us into the realm of his inner reflections. The orangutan's visage conveys a unique blend of emotions – astonishment,...

In "Heart of Man," Bright Toh juxtaposes the image of an ape head with a human body, symbolizing the duality inherent in human nature. The ape, a creature closely related to humans, represents primal instincts, raw desires, and a connection to our animalistic origins. The human body signifies intellect, self-awareness, and the capacity for moral judgment. Through this amalgamation, the artwork prompts viewers to contemplate the constant interplay between our instinctual drives and our rational faculties. The choice of a dry tree and a snake as additional elements in the artwork adds depth to its symbolic meaning. The dry tree can be interpreted as a representation of life's struggles, the hardships we face, and the impermanence of existence. It serves as a visual metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that we encounter on our journey toward self-realization. The snake, traditionally associated with cunning and temptation, serves as a potent symbol of desire and the allure of the forbidden. The presence of the half-eaten apple in the man's hand is reminiscent of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, alluding to the concept of original sin and the loss of innocence. It represents the consequences of giving in to temptation and the awareness of moral choices. Simultaneously, the man's act of holding a banana leaf to cover his private parts with his other hand suggests a sense of modesty, highlighting the tension between our inherent desires and the societal constructs that govern our behavior. "Heart of Man" invites viewers to reflect on their own nature and the choices they make in life. It prompts contemplation of the inherent contradictions and complexities of being human—our capacity for both compassion and cruelty, our desires and our restraint, and the constant struggle to reconcile our primal instincts with our higher aspirations. The artwork serves as a mirror, challenging us to examine the depths of our hearts and confront the complexities that lie within. Bright Toh's use of vibrant colors and meticulous attention to detail adds to the emotional impact of the artwork. The juxtaposition of the intense imagery against a backdrop of vivid hues and meticulous strokes captures the viewer's attention, evoking a range of emotions, from intrigue to contemplation. "Heart of Man" is a thought-provoking artwork that explores the intricacies of human nature and the eternal struggle between desire and self-awareness. Through the fusion of an ape head with a human body, the artwork invites viewers to delve into their own dual nature, reflecting on the complexities that define our existence. Bright Toh's skilled use of symbolism and vibrant imagery leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the perpetual search for self-realization and the delicate balance we strive to achieve between our instinctual desires and our moral consciousness. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Born on the 6th of August 1994 in Buea, Bright Toh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Buea. Notwithstanding his Engineering academic background, Toh is a self-taught visual artist. Bright Toh is a visual artist with artistry portraying the exquisite synergy that exists between the evolving African man, wildlife, and their common environment, through the possession of totems as a liaison to his ancestries, which is a core aspect of his identity and cultural heritage. He is a 2022 ‘Last Picture Show’ Lagos Edition (Collective exhibition) Participant. He also won the UNHCR Global Youth With Refugee Art...