Artwork Details
Artist
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
51-3/8 x 51-9/16 in.
Accession Number
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Copyright
Collection
Color Palette
Provenance
Harrison [1903-1997] and Edith Eiteljorg [1912-2003] of Indianapolis, Indiana; given to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, in 1993.
Gallery Labels
Twins Seven-Seven was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. He changed his name from Taiwo Olaniyi Oyewale because he is the only survivor of seven sets of twins by his mother. In the 1960s he joined an art workshop in Oshogbo, Nigeria that was established by Georgina and Ulli Beier, two German painters. At the beginning of his profession he exhibited his art in Nigeria, Germany and England. This helped to establish his career as an internationally recognized artist and his works are in public and private collections around the world.
Healing of Abiku Children depicts a religious practice. In Yoruba belief, abiku is a child who dies shortly after being born and is reborn several times into the same family. In order to halt this cycle of death and rebirth mothers bring their children to a divination priest. In the center of this picture is a mother who has brought her twins to a priest, who is seated in the structure behind the mother. Other women in the background assist in the ritual by bringing supplies.
Twins Seven-Seven developed a distinct style. The surfaces of his works are covered from edge to edge with intricate, curved patterns. Images or abstract patterns occupy every available space.
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