Renowned Artist, Yusuf Grillo, Dies At 87

One of the leading artists to come out of Nigeria, Yusuf Grillo, is dead.

Vanguard news reports that he died in the early hours of today, Monday.

He was born in 1934.

“As we speak, we are preparing to take his remains for burial,” a source said in a teary voice.

The late Grillo, a contemporary of Bruce Onobrakpeya, was a Zaria Art Society comrade.

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His works are known for the use of colour blue and natural settings

Grillo attended Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria; Cambridge University; and also schooled in Germany and the United States of America.

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

Grillo was the first president of the Society of Nigerian Artists

Meanwhile, reports by the News Agency of Nigeria NAN said Grillo died due to COVID-19 complications.

Gboyega Grillo, son of the deceased, confirmed the incident to the NAN.in Lagos on Monday.

Grillo, who could not hide his emotions, said he was so pained that he wasn’t able to speak to the media, due to the shock and preparations toward the burial.

He said remains of his father would be buried today at 4p.m at Atan cemetery in Lagos.