The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) has paid tribute to the late veteran artist, Yusuf Grillo who died Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at the age of 86.

Mr. Oliver Enwonwu, President of SNA, told Newsmen in Lagos that it was shocking news to have lost a rare gem in the industry.

Enwonwu described late Grillo as a pioneering modernist artist, an accomplished teacher, and an administrator.
“It is with heavy hearts that we receive the news of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural icons, Prof. Yusuf Adebayo Grillo.

“Indeed, part of his legacy is hinged on the successive generations of artists he taught at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

“Grillo was the first President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Nigeria and Africa have indeed lost a gem.

“We commiserate with the family at this time and pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

“He will be buried today at Atan Cemetery from 4:00 p.m.,” he said.

Grillo died of COVID-19 complications as disclosed by his son, Mr. Gboyega Grillo.

Grillo, born in 1934, was a contemporary Nigerian artist known for his inventive works and the prominence of the color blue in many of his paintings.

He emerged to prominence and international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s while exhibiting a large collection of his early works.

Grillo makes use of his western art training in many of his paintings, combining western art techniques with traditional Yoruba sculpture characteristics.

Veteran Artist, Yusuf Grillo dies at 86

His preference for the color blue in natural settings paintings is sometimes similar to the adire or resist-dyed textiles used in Nigeria.

He was a former Head of the Department of Art and Printing at Yaba College of Technology.

Grillo was also the first President of the Society of Nigerian Artists.