Lot 29: Chief Jimoh Buraimoh (Nigerian, born 1943) Musicians unframed

Musicians
twice signed 'Buraimo' (lower right)
oil and beads on board
55 x 71cm (21 5/8 x 27 15/16in).
unframed

In 1964 Buraimoh attended artist Georgina Beier's Oshogbo workshop, where he learned to make prints, paint and inlay tiles and small beads to create mosaic plaques and tables. He gradually expanded his repertoire to include bead paintings and murals. In 1967 the Goethe Institute in Lagos organized Buraimoh's first exhibition of bead paintings, and since then he has exhibited his work internationally.

Buraimoh's bead paintings are his most famous works; he began working with beads in the mid 1960s, taking his inspiration from traditional Yoruba beaded crowns:

"I have always been fascinated with these crowns. I liked the shimmering colors, the designs, the patterns and above all the expensive look and grandeur...I often visited the Ataoja's palace to admire and study the crowns."

The bead-work is also reminiscent of that on traditional Yoruba beaded cloaks, staffs, and stools. The artist strings beads on cotton thread and glues them to the surface of a board. When placed close together on a flat surface, the beads create raised surfaces, a variety of shapes and an illusion of depth.



BIBLIOGRAPHY:
J. Buraimoh, The Heritage: My Life and Arts (Ibadan 2000), pp.47-48