El Hadji as M’Bengue (Senegalese, 20th C.) Mixed Media Painting – "Calligraphic Composition"

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Description

An extraordinary, gallery-tier investment piece for collectors of global mid-century modernism: an authentic 20th-century original mixed media painting on paper … Read more An extraordinary, gallery-tier investment piece for collectors of global mid-century modernism: an authentic 20th-century original mixed media painting on paper by the celebrated Senegalese Modernist artist El Hadji As M’Bengue.

Historical Provenance & Context:
Painted in Dakar, Senegal in 1994, this rare work stems from a highly critical juncture in West African art history. During the mid-1990s, El Hadji As M’Bengue was actively working alongside the radical, avant-garde multi-disciplinary collective known as Laboratoire Agit’Art. This specific 1994 canvas stands as a direct material reflection of that explosive Dakar studio period, which heavily challenged traditional aesthetics and directly preceded the landmark global exhibitions of post-colonial African Modernism.

Closely aligned with the groundbreaking philosophies of the historic École de Dakar (School of Dakar), M’Bengue’s work seamlessly bridges traditional West African cultural heritage with mid-century avant-garde abstraction. This compelling, highly complex composition features a central stylized figurative silhouette framed by a heavy, textured terracotta border. The field is meticulously layered with flowing Arabic script, pseudo-calligraphy, and esoteric architectural diagrams—including geometric triangles, vector lines, and numbered charting blocks.
Executed with magnificent visual rhythm using a rich earth-toned palette of sepia wash, charcoal black, ochre, and deep crimson, this hand-signed work stands as a testament to the intellectual and stylistic depth of African post-colonial modernism.

Beautifully presented in a clean, minimalist white wood gallery frame with a generous white accent mat. A pristine, ready-to-hang focal masterpiece built for an elite residential library, corporate collection, or sophisticated minimalist gallery wall.

• Artist: El Hadji As M’Bengue (Senegalese, 20th Century)
• Medium: Mixed Media (Gouache, Ink, Wash) on Paper
• Period: 20th Century
• Sight Size: 19" H x 23" W
• Total Frame Size: Approx. 25" H x 29" W x 1.25" D

Condition Report:
Excellent vintage condition. The mixed media pigments and intricate ink calligraphic details remain remarkably crisp, deep, and beautifully saturated. The heavy paper matrix is flat, sound, and clean under the glass, showing no foxing or discoloration. The minimalist white wood gallery frame exhibits minor, superficial surface scratching and light edge rubbing entirely consistent with careful gallery storage and handling. Not examined outside of frame. See less