Two Signed Decorative Paintings on Canvas - "Matiche 09" (2009) - East African Maasai-Inspired Figure Studies - Bold Red and Black Palette

Two large decorative paintings on canvas by an artist signed "Matiche 09" (dated 2009), depicting stylized East African women in the Maasai-inspired Tinga Tinga figurative tradition against vivid red backgrounds. Vibrant, unfaded colours. Unframed, unstretched. Displayed as a complementary pair.



Description

These two striking paintings come from the tradition of East African figurative art developed primarily in Tanzania and Kenya, in which stylized elongated figures are rendered with bold decorative brushwork against vibrant backgrounds. The style draws on the visual culture of Maasai beadwork, ceremony, and everyday life, translated into a confident decorative idiom with broad international appeal. Both canvases are signed "Matiche 09" in white paint lower right, indicating the artist and a 2009 date.



Painting One shows three elongated women from behind, the central and tallest figure carrying a large dark vessel on her head. She wears layered necklaces cascading in gold, magenta, and purple, and a flowing garment in black, gold, and warm tones. Her two companions are dressed in white and blue-grey and in gold and olive tones respectively. The background graduates from deeper orange at the base to warm red at the top, giving this painting a sunset quality that differentiates it from its pair. Painting Two depicts three women walking with gourds and bags at their sides, rendered against a predominantly red background. The figures are dressed in pink and gold, green, and blue-grey and indigo, with each figure's layered necklaces painted in characteristic long parallel curved brushstrokes that evoke cascading strands of traditional beadwork. Together the two paintings form a complementary pair, intended for display side by side.



Both paintings are acrylic on unstretched canvas. The paint surfaces are intact, colours are vibrant and unfaded, and there is no cracking or flaking. The canvases have fold and crease marks from storage and would benefit from stretching onto timber bars before framing, which would also improve the display of the compositions. These are ready for a second life on a wall.



Features

* Two decorative paintings sold as a complementary pair

* Signed "Matiche 09" lower right on both canvases (artist and year 2009)

* Subject: Stylized elongated East African women in Maasai-inspired decorative tradition

* Painting One: Three women, central figure with vessel on head, warm orange-red background (gradient)

* Painting Two: Three women walking with bags and gourds, predominantly red background

* Acrylic on canvas, unframed and unstretched

* Bold red and orange-red backgrounds with black figures and vivid multi-colour accents

* Cascading parallel-stroke necklace technique characteristic of the Tinga Tinga tradition

* Vibrant, unfaded colours throughout

* Each canvas approximately 90-100cm tall x 50-55cm wide (estimated)



Condition Notes

Both canvases are unstretched and unframed. Fold and crease marks are present on both canvases from storage - most visible in the background areas. The paint surfaces themselves are intact with no cracking, flaking, or losses observed across all 7 photos. Minor surface soiling on canvas edges. Stretching onto timber bars is recommended before framing.



Specifications

Type: Acrylic on unstretched canvas

Artist: Signed "Matiche 09" lower right (both canvases, 2009)

Style: East African Maasai-inspired decorative figurative (Tinga Tinga tradition)

Quantity: Two paintings (pair)

Painting One: Three women, central figure with vessel on head, orange-red graduated background

Painting Two: Three women walking with gourds, predominantly red background

Approximate dimensions: Each canvas approximately 90-100cm tall x 50-55cm wide

Frame: Unframed, unstretched canvas

Condition: Good (paint surface) / Fair (canvas support - fold marks from storage)

Location: 69 Manchester Road, Carrara, QLD, Australia


Price Guide: $60 - $200 AUD

13A
587889+5

Location of item: 69 Manchester Road, Carrara, QLD, Australia

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