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10th Anniversary Remembrance on Twins Seven Seven

CBCIU and Iwalewahaus Remembers Twins Seven-Seven a Decade After

The popular Yoruba maxim that says it is on the day one dies that one becomes an idol aptly captures the 10th Anniversary Remembrance on Twins Seven-Seven, held both virtually and on-site on Wednesday, 16 June, 2021. The zoom event themed: "The Twins Seven-Seven Phenomenon: Lives and Afterlives," organised by the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Abere, and Iwalewahaus, University of Bayreuth, Germany, brought together friends, family and colleagues of the late visual artist to speak on any aspect that they remember about the artist. Divided into two sessions, the first of which presented academic approaches on different aspects of Twins Seen-Seven's life and anchored by researchers at the CBCIU and Iwalewahaus, while the second session welcomed contributions from private collectors or institutions with Twins Seven-Seven's works in their possession.

10th Anniversary Remembrance on Twins Seven Seven

Invited participants from Nigeria, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom include Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, Chief Muraina Oyelami, Bernd Kleine-Gunk, Mrs Bintu Olaniyi, George Jevremovic, Fatai Toromade; Chief (Dr.) Mrs Nike Okundaye, Chili Hawes and a host of others. Each participant paid glowing tributes on Twins Seven-Seven and his resounding contributions to contemporary modern arts. One important aspect of the event was the emphasis on what should be done in memory of Twins Seven-Seven going forward. This aspect of the programme tagged "Take Away(s)" called for two key future projects - a book publication and an online exhibition on Twins Seven-Seven. The organisers enjoined participants to be involved in this noble project while discussions will commence in the coming days.

10th Anniversary Remembrance on Twins Seven Seven

Chief Taiwo Osuntoki (1944-2011), popularly known as Twins Seven-Seven, was one of the greatest icons of contemporary modern arts in Africa, and one of the products of the 1964 Osogbo Art School originated and conducted by Georgina Beier. He went on to become one of the School's most famous artists through his unique etchings. His paintings created in virtual reality the worldviews and cosmologies of his Yoruba ethnic group, all of which were exhibited across the world and dotted both private homes and public institutions. Twins Seven-Seven was so many things to many people. Despite his complex personality, his unique talents remain a strong emblem of his legacy even after his passing a decade ago. The event concluded with closing remarks by Twins Seven-Seven's children in Nigeria and the United States. May his memory be a blessing!

10th Anniversary Remembrance on Twins Seven Seven