Yusuf Grillo

Yusuf Grillo (16 December 1934 – 23 August 2021) was a Nigerian contemporary painter, sculptor and muralist.

Early life and education

Yusuf Grillo was born on 16 May 1934 in the Brazilian Quarters of Lagos Island, Lagos. He attended the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria, where he obtained a diploma in Fine Arts and a postgraduate diploma in Education in 1961. He later undertook specialist training at the University of Cambridge and attended professional courses in Germany and the United States.

Grillo was regarded as one of Nigeria's leading modern painters and gained national and international recognition during the 1960s and 1970s. His work combined academic Western painting techniques with elements of traditional Yoruba art. He became particularly known for his distinctive use of blue tones, a style often associated with the colour palette of adire textile designs.

Personal life

Grillo was married to Iyabo Amope Grillo, and they had five children.

Death

Grillo died on 23 August 2021 at the age of 87 from complications related to COVID-19.

Notable works

Drummers Return Sultan Bello Mural Mother and Child Moslem Woman Abe nu Gongo (1993)