Ben Enwonwu Biography: Death, Age, Career, Nationality, Parents, Net Worth, Height, Spouse, Son, Awards

Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu, born July 14, 1917, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, was a Nigerian painter and sculptor widely recognized as one of Africa’s most influential modern artists.

Known for blending Igbo traditional art with Western modernist techniques, he helped redefine global perceptions of African art while establishing himself as a cultural icon through groundbreaking works like Tutu and his bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II.

Profile

• Full Name: Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu
• Stage Name: Ben Enwonwu
• Born: July 14, 1917
• Died: February 5, 1994
• Age: 76 (at the time of death)
• Birthplace: Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Occupation: Painter, Sculptor, Art Educator
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Enwonwu
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Oliver Enwonwu (son)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million- 5 million

Early Life And Education

Ben Enwonwu was born on July 14, 1917, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, and he lived to the age of 76.

He was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Enwonwu.

Information about his siblings is not publicly documented.

He was of Igbo ethnicity and practiced Christianity.

He attended schools in the United Kingdom, including the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, where he studied Fine Arts and Sculpture.

He also studied anthropology at the University of London, which contributed to the cultural depth and symbolism in his work.

Career

Ben Enwonwu’s career stands as one of the most important in African art history.

He became a central figure in the development of African modernism, merging indigenous Igbo forms and philosophies with European modernist methods.

His work challenged colonial perceptions of African art and opened doors for African artists on the international stage.

His fame reached new heights in 1956 when he was commissioned to sculpt Queen Elizabeth II.

This bronze sculpture earned him global acclaim and made him the first African artist to produce an official portrait sculpture of a British monarch.

Throughout his career, Enwonwu created paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, drawings, and murals that explored themes of identity, culture, spirituality, and postcolonial consciousness.

His painting Tutu became one of the most iconic African artworks, celebrated worldwide for its cultural importance and artistic depth.

Enwonwu exhibited extensively across Europe, America, and Africa.

He served as Nigeria’s Art Adviser, taught at the University of Lagos, and influenced younger generations of artists.

His works remain in major museums, galleries, and private collections around the world.

Awards and Nominations

• Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
• Numerous international artistic recognitions
• Major exhibitions in Europe, North America, and Africa

Personal Life

Nigerian painter and sculptor Ben Enwonwu was married, but information about his spouse is not widely available, he had children, including his son Oliver Enwonwu, who followed his footsteps into the art world.

Details about his previous romantic relationships were not made public.

Regarding his height, Ben Enwonwu stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall which is approximately (173 cm).

Net Worth

Ben Enwonwu has an estimated net worth of between $2 million and $5 million.

His artworks, auction sales, and the cultural worth of pieces like Tutu, his estate is estimated to fall between 2 million USD and 5 million USD.

His paintings and sculptures continue to appreciate significantly in value, making him one of the most financially successful African artists of his generation.