Gerald Bhendu African Art

One of the most intriguing and mysterious artists came to my attention a few weeks ago. My first impression of readingg about his life was admittedly anger on my part. To be more specific I was angered by how little information I could find about the man himself. From what I read he was a much sought after artist but where are his riches? I realize not all artist paint for the monetary gain or notoriety but for their own pleasure and expression. Somehow, I didn't get that impression from reading about Gerald Bhendu.

I believe anyone with his talent enjoys their work as I believe he did however, I don't believe he had the opportunity to realize his gift as a means to financial prosperity. Living as a child during a time when some believed that black Africans were best left uneducated as to not "spoil a natural gift", may be unthinkable by today's standard. But that's how life was for Bhendu. Despite that he create some of the most beautiful and inspiring real-life character studies, in my opinion. His expression where sometimes in the form of home made medium when money was very low or non-existent. In my opinion a man of his talents should never be without financial resources. Which is one of the reasons why my nerves were struck by the limited information about his life.

While a lengthy Internet search of Bhendu's Life yielded less than satisfying results, his work speaks volumes about who he was as an artist, with an extraordinary eye for detail, a love and intense pride for his people. These things without reading about them are clearly communicated through the care he put into each of his works.