Abe nu Gongo

Yusuf Grillo, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artists, was born in Lagos in 1934. Raised in the Brazilian Quarters of Lagos, Grillo was deeply influenced by the traditional Yoruba ceremonies and cultural festivals that surrounded him. He was fortunate to receive guidance from pioneering Nigerian artists like Aina Onabolu, Akinola Lasekan, and J.K Oye, who were among the first formally trained art educators in the country. Grillo furthered his education at the Nigerian College of Art, Science, and Technology (NCAST), where he earned a Diploma in Fine Arts and a postgraduate Diploma in Art Education. A founding member of the famous Zaria Art Society (the "Zaria Rebels"), Grillo's art reflects deep connections to Yoruba philosophy and sculpture. His signature use of blue in his paintings echoes the adire textiles of the Yoruba, while purple and green are also prominent in his work.
In Abe Nu Gongo, Grillo presents a man standing confidently in profile. His sharp features, including a bald head and tribal marks, are accentuated by a striking outfit of purple and turquoise blue. The man wears charms around his neck, and the dark background enhances the vividness of the figure. Grillo’s use of color and composition draws the viewer’s focus to the man’s commanding presence.