Grillo is Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artists. PHOTO/GEORGE OSODI

Arthouse- The Space has announced a solo exhibition of renowned visual artist Yusuf Grillo, entitled ‘Igi Araba’ , at the Kia Showroom, 308 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, from October 10 to 31, 2015. The opening reception for the exhibition will take place October 10, 2015, 4 to 8pm. Also, an artist talk will take place October 25, 2015, 4pm.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Yussuf Grillo has led a prolific career that has shaped the discourse of modern art in the country. Emerging to prominence and international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s, Grillo’s work is deeply influenced by the characteristics of traditional Yoruba philosophy and sculpture. As a member of the Zaria Arts Society, popularly known as the Zaria Rebels, Grillo combined his training in the Western-representational style with a focus on Nigeria’s unique and rich artistic history.

He is particularly known for the specific use of the color blue in his paintings, a reference to adire and resist-dye textiles used in Nigeria. After extensive education in Nigeria and the UK, Grillo served as Head of the Department of Art and Printing at Yaba College of Technology for over twenty five years. His iconic stained glass and mosaic works have been commissioned for a number of public buildings in Nigeria including churches, universities, government buildings, and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Yusuf Grillo’s Baraje 2012-2015, oil on canvas 153 x 92 cm PHOTO/GEORGE OSODI

Grillo has also served as the founding president of the Society of Nigerian Artists, the professional body for all practicing artists in Nigeria. Arthouse Contemporary is an international auction house that focuses on modern and contemporary art from West Africa. With auctions held twice a year in Lagos, Nigeria, Arthouse Contemporary aims to create awareness of the scope of contemporary art in the region, encourage international recognition towards its talented artists, and strengthen the economy of its art market.

Arthouse Contemporary has recently expanded its scope outside of its bi-annual auctions to include Arthouse-The Space, which organises exhibitions of contemporary art. After successful exhibitions of celebrated artists including Bruce Onobrakpeya, George Osodi, Emeka Udemba, Eva Obodo, Victor Ekpuk, Victoria Udondian, Kainebi Osahenye, and Sokari Douglas Camp, Arthouse- The Space is proud to showcase this long deserved retrospective of a celebrated national treasure.

This exhibition is proudly sponsored by Access Bank, Kia Motors and Veuve Clicquot. This exhibition also includes a video documentary that was produced by the Foundation for Contemporary & Modern Visual Arts.