Born
in Nigeria in 1944, Prince Twins Seven-Seven’s
career began in the early 1960s. He has since become
the most famous representative of the renowned Oshogbo
school of painting, which is at the heart of Yoruba
civilization. His work reflects the cosmology and
mythology of the Yoruba culture.
Though
is given name is Taiwo Olaiyi Salau, Twins Seven-Seven
has chosen this pseudonym as a reference to his birth:
he is the sole survivor of a line of seven sets of
twins.
A
multidimensional artist, Prince Twins Seven-Seven
is also recognized as a singer, musician, actor, writer
and poet. His work has been shown in numerous exhibitions
throughout the world, notably at France’s National
Museum of Modern Art – Georges Pompidou Centre
in Paris, the Houston Contemporary Arts Museum, the
Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Museum
of African Art in Washington, D.C. and the National
Modern Art Gallery in Lagos.
His
encounter with the graphic arts and painting came
about in 1964 when he met a group of artists known
as the Mbare Mbayo Group. This is where the Oshobgo
School had it's origins.Twins Seven-Seven began by
drawing on paper. Drawing and engraving have remained
a constant and central reference in his work. The
originality of his line comes from the fact that it
appears to unfold blindly, with no plan, through a
progressive invasion of the entire surface. This technique
gives his paintings their extraordinary detail.
With
the exception of a few paintings which represent "profane"
themes, the universe of Twins Seven-Seven is thoroughly
rooted in the Yoruba imagery, both religious and folkloric.
Twins
Seven-Seven was named UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2005,in
the presence of Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria
and Chairman of the African Union. The ceremony took
place on Africa Day. This was the “recognition
of his contribution to the promotion of dialogue and
understanding among peoples, particularly in Africa
and the African Diaspora.”
UNESCO
Artists for Peace are internationally-renowned personalities
who use their influence, charisma and prestige to
help promote UNESCO’s message and programmes.
source:
"Contemporary Art of Africa", A. Magnin;
UNESCO; "A Dreaming Life: Autobiography of Twins
Seven-Seven", U. Beier
