Kiko Yangu Imeisha, Circa 1990

George Lilanga   Famous Artists

George Lilanga was an artist born in 1934 in Maasi, Tanzania, and died in June 2005. Originally from the Makonde highlands, on the border between Tanzania and Mozambique, he began his career as a sculptor in 1961 in Lindi, in his native region.

This region is known for its dances, linked to initiation rites, and for its sculpture tradition. This culture conveys a strong social critique and a keen sense of caricature. For example, the sculptures often express a wide range of feelings, from humor to anguish.

In 1972, George Lilanga moved to Dar es Salaam. The following year, he and other artists established an art center where drawing, printmaking, and lithography were taught. He learned these different techniques and, in 1980, under the influence of the Tingatinga school, began producing colorful animal paintings.

Nicknamed "the Picasso of Africa," George Lilanga draws on all these traditions, which he renews in a contemporary context. His compositions make an impression, and the recognition he receives quickly crosses borders. He has exhibited in numerous countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Austria, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Senegal, and Italy. He has notably exhibited in prestigious museums such as the Centre Pompidou and the Guggenheim Bilbao.