Ace artist Yusuf Grillo dies at 86

One of Nigeria’s outstanding and professional painters, Prof. Yusuf Grillo, has died at the age of 86.

Gboyega Grillo, son of the deceased, said the ace painter died of COVID-19 complications on Monday morning.

He also said the remains of his father would be buried the same day at the Atan Cemetery in Lagos.

Born in 1934, the visual artist was known for his inventive works and the prominence of the colour blue in his paintings.

He became recognised internationally in the 1960s and 1970s while exhibiting a large collection of his early works.

Grillo made use of his western art training, combining western techniques with Yoruba sculpture characteristics.

He was a former head of the department of Art and Printing, Yaba College of Technology in Lagos state.

Grillo was the first president of the Society of Nigerian Artists.