He died but I don't know when or how. He was friends with Eddy Grant and apparently Mick Jagger gave him a coat. He is pretty much regarded as the greatest artist that came out of Zambia. He lived only for art, was a bit of an artful dodger (taking back paintings he has already sold, getting thrown out of hotels for not paying his bill), and then, that's it.
I found a file on him in the gallery, but aside from a brief focus piece, there was little else. There were a number of copies of his work. The first few sketches left me cold, they seemed rushed and a little juvenile. Then came photos of his sculptures and paintings and I was transfixed by their energy and scope. He was a master.
The question "Did you know Akwila Simpasa?" is welcomed and tidbits of the man are proffered, but a full biography I have yet to uncover. So, did YOU know Akwila Simpasa?
