Afro-Cubist portrait of a woman cradling a bird executed in oil on fabric, by Georges-Ebrin Adingra. The highly impastoed, sculptural surface is typical of his work and was achieved with the addition of ground sandstone to the paint. Possibly dated 1991; signature illegible. The handsome oak frame is new. One of a trio.

GEORGES-EBRIN ADINGRA (1933–2005) was born in 1933 in Adaou in Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) as Ebrin Adingra, Prince of Krindjabo. He studied philosophy in Abidjan until the age of 17, when he received a scholarship to the École des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, France. He graduated with distinction after three years, winning first prize for a fresco in his senior year. This was followed by architectural studies in Nancy, concluded in 1957, and travels through Europe and America.

In his paintings, Adingra “flipped the script” on the narrative invoked about Picasso and the origins of Cubism, synthesizing the elements of the early-20^th-century European movement with African themes and subjects—such as calao birds (hornbills), kora string instruments, and the tribal imagery and mysticism of various West African peoples. By mixing his paint with fine sandstone and working with burlap canvas, he added a characteristic depth and texture to his work.

Adingra exhibited in Paris, New York, Amsterdam, Milan, Rotterdam, Abidjan, Kobe, and Malmö. An extensive monograph about his life and work was published in 1990. Adingra maintained a studio in Paris and often sold pieces in Place du Tertre (Montmartre). He died in 2005.

DETAILS

Artist – GEORGES-EBRIN ADINGRA

Period/Year – 1990s

Origin – FRANCE

Styles/Movements – AFRICAN; CUBISM; TRIBAL

Media – MIXED MEDIA

Support – BURLAP

Colors – SAND, PEACH, OLIVE

Condition – Excellent vintage condition. Newly framed.

Dimensions – 29 ½" H × 22" W × 1 ½" D