Objects
Osuanyi Quaicoo Essel & Mahmoud Malik Saako & Ernst Wagner

Uche Okeke, Untitled (named "CHRIST" on the backside), 1961, oil on painting cardboard, 122,3 x 60,5 cm, Iwalewahaus Bayreuth (c)

A Christian, a Muslim, or a traditional work?

One of the renowned Nigerian artists who doubled as a leading member of a famous group which became known in the contemporary artworld of Nigeria as Zaria Rebels, revealed the complexities involved in taking absolute stance without a thorough reflection of internal and external cultural nuances. In one of his paintings done in 1961, Okeke presented a composition that featured a seated human-like figure costumed in what appears to be a white long sleeved flowing garment with tree-shaped objects as background.