George Lilanga

George Lilanga (1934-2005) came from the high, arid, plateaus of the Mozambique-Tanzanian border. Lilanga's art--animated by a keen sense of social critique and caricature--illustrates the continuity of artistic vision among the Makonde and its renewal in the context of the present day. In many ways his sculptures and paintings follow Makonde conventions: his playful figures are best understood as heirs to the unruly spirits of Makonde cosmology. The vibrant inventiveness of Lilanga's work also testifies to the profound revolution that marked the birth of individualization and personal talent in Africa. This lavishly illustrated volume is the only monograph available on George Lilanga. It features over 100 works reproduced in full-color plates as well as an in-depth interview with the late African artist.