Rufus Ogundele (1946–1996) was a Nigerian painter and printmaker associated with the Oshogbo art movement. His works blend Yoruba cultural traditions with modernist techniques, making him an important figure in African modern art.
What themes and styles are present in his art?
He combined bold outlines, vivid colours, and modernist forms with Yoruba spirituality, folklore, and everyday life. His art is both storytelling and cultural preservation.
He showed widely in Nigeria and abroad, including at the Goethe Institute in Lagos, the Smithsonian Institution in the USA, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, and galleries in Munich, Paris, Vienna, and Prague, among others.
Are his works part of museum collections?
Yes. His art is preserved in several public collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Lagos, Iwalewa-Haus in Germany, and museums and universities in the United States.
Authentication should be requested via the Contact Page or by emailing us directly at rufusogundele46@gmail.com.
Original works may occasionally be available through galleries or collectors. Please verify provenance before purchase.
Yes. Some works are viewable in museums or archives. Digital access may also be arranged on request. Please see our Contact Page for research inquiries.
Are there books or catalogues about him?
Yes. Rufus Ogundele’s work appears in Oshogbo art movement catalogues, museum archives, and exhibition publications. We are working on expanding the bibliography available through this website.
