Edward Saidi Tingatinga

Edward Saidi Tingatinga was a Tanzanian painter who gave his name to a whole style of East African art. Born around 1932, he began painting in the 1960s in Dar es Salaam, working on simple board with bright enamel paints. He created bold, colorful images of animals, birds, and village life in a flat, decorative style that was cheerful and instantly appealing.

His work sold well to locals and visitors, and other artists soon took up his approach, turning it into a thriving popular tradition now known as Tingatinga painting. His own life was cut short when he was accidentally shot in 1972. Tingatinga is remembered as the founder of one of Africa's best known and most joyful art styles.