Twins Seven-Seven, 1944–2011

Born in Nigeria in 1944, Prince Twins Seven-Seven emerged in the early 1960s as a leading figure of the renowned Oshogbo School of painting, a movement deeply rooted in Yoruba civilization. His work draws heavily on Yoruba cosmology and mythology.

Though his given name was Taiwo Olaiyi Salau, he adopted the pseudonym “Twins Seven-Seven” in reference to his extraordinary birth: he was the sole survivor of seven sets of twins.

A multidimensional artist, he was also a singer, musician, actor, writer, and poet. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., and the National Modern Art Gallery in Lagos.

His encounter with the graphic arts began in 1964 when he met the Mbare Mbayo Group, the nucleus of what became the Oshogbo School. He started with drawing on paper, and drawing and engraving remained central to his practice. His distinctive line appears to unfold intuitively across the surface, creating dense, intricate compositions.

With only a few exceptions, his artistic universe is firmly anchored in Yoruba imagery — both religious and folkloric.

In 2005, Twins Seven-Seven was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace , in recognition of his contribution to promoting dialogue and understanding among peoples, particularly in Africa and the African Diaspora.

source: “Contemporary Art of Africa”, A. Magnin; UNESCO; “A Dreaming Life: Autobiography of Twins Seven-Seven”, U. Beier