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Society of Nigerian Artists Since 1963
ABOUT The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) was founded in 1963. It is the professional body for all practicing visual artists in Nigeria. It exists to encourage and promote Nigerian artists and serves as a platform for them to air their views and contribute positively to national development. www.snanational.org MISSION
Newsletter
To uphold excellence and engender the highest professional standards in the practice of the visual arts in Nigeria while encouraging its appreciation through publications, research, education and exhibitions.
JANUARY 2017 EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE Greetings from the President 2 Appointments
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Announcements
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Birthdays 8 Highlights of 2016
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Burials 15 Icon
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Bruce Onobrakpeya
Artist of the Week Segun Aiyesan
ADVERTISE To advertise, please contact: Chidimma Nwankwo Publicity Secretary (National) chidimma@snanational.org xquisitegallery@yahoo.com xquisitegallery@gmail.com Tel:+234 703 545 1016
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Reviews 20
Published by the: Society of Nigerian Artists in association with Revilo Company Limited 24, Ikoyi Crescent Ikoyi, Lagos Tel: +234 818 455 3331 +234 802 314 4881
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings from the President Dear Member, Welcome to this special New Year edition our e - Newsletter. This bumper issue promises to be even more exciting than our regular editions as we continue to ensure that members are updated with upcoming activities and announcements across the art world.Let me start by thanking you for your steadfast love and support all through 2016. Though economically, it has indeed been a most difficult year necessitated by crashing oil prices, the visual arts sector has fared creditably well. With the increasing awareness of the investment potential of art, from Nigeria, the usual enthusiasm of collectors is not dampened, their sustained interest servicing local galleries and auction houses alike. This continued patronage was instrumental to introduction of a third annual sale in February, “The Affordable Auction” by leading auctioneers Arthouse Contemporary, as well as the growing number of quality exhibitions on the Lagos art scene, accompanied by exquisitely-produced catalogues, aimed at tackling the dearth of critical documentation on Nigerian art. Recent among these are photographer Akintunde Akinleye’s Bush Refineries and Other Stories, as well as Omoligho Udenta’s Dust and Petals, both featured here. Importantly, the vigorous domestic scene has had its strong influence on the international market for Nigerian and African art, resulting in staggering prices at major auction houses like Bonhams, while others like Sotheby’s are readying to join the fray. This year also saw several initiatives led by the Federal Minister of Culture and Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, seeking partnership with various sectors of the culture industry. Very commendable, they underscore the federal government’s seriousness in diversifying the Nigerian economy. In seeking greater partnership with the Buhari-led administration, our Vice President, North Central Dr Adam Sheikh Lemu was a panelist on the Cyril Stober-anchored programme, Tuesday Night Live to emphasize the role of the visual arts in national development. The event is captured here in exquisite imagery.
tall fibreglass sculpture. Organised by the British Council Nigeria and supported by GTBank, the work is presently installed in Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Ikeja, Lagos, and is among major highlights on our art calendar this year. This event is also featured in beautiful photography in this issue of our newsletter together with Art X Lagos. Sponsored by a consortium of corporate organizations like Access Bank, 7UP and Mighty Jets, the fair attracted over 5,000 collectors, students and enthusiasts alike. Our segment, “Artist of the Week”, showcases Segun Aiyesan, featuring his masterful piece Beaugeste, while “Icon” is focused on renowned printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya. This medium is open to our members who wish to feature in the Artists Segment. To be considered, kindly send photos of yourself, as well as of your work, short profile and an artist’s statement. In this issue, we also give tribute to our fallen colleague, Dr Kefas Danjuma who passed away on December 4. He will be remembered as an erudite scholar and an accomplished painter. May his soul rest in peace. Amen. Also these and more are lined up for you in this bumper issues. Please feel free to also utilize this Newsletter platform for announcements of special occasions like exhibitions, talks, seminars, conferences and personal events like performances, birthdays, wedding and child dedications. Kindly forward all information to Chidimma Nwankwo, Publicity Secretary (National) at xquisitegallery@ gmail.com. The e-Newsletter is presently distributed to members, collectors, high net worth individuals, the diplomatic community, as well as international curators and museums. We therefore, urge advertisers to take advantage of its broad reach, in re-positioning their businesses. As a special New Year treat, our e-Newsletter is now on the ISSUU platform for those who love the semblance of an actual magazine with its ease of navigation. Please enjoy. Do have a prosperous 2017!
This year also saw increased private sector involvement in the promotion of the visual arts; a fine example is Yinka Shonibare’s first solo exhibition in Nigeria of Wind Sculpture VI – a six-metre
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Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
Oliver Enwonwu President
NEWS: APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE President Oliver Enwonwu
Artist Edem Moses Breaks the Jinx, Appointed Head Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture
Vice President, East Diseye Tantua Vice President, North Atiku Abubakar Vice President, North Central Dr Adam Sheikh Lemu Honourable General-Secretary Archibong Bassey Treasurer Yemi Oladipo Assistant General-Secretary Binta Garba Financial Secretary Adebola Adalumo Publicity Secretary Chidimma Nwankwo Ex-Officios Sir Chuka Nnabuife Dr Harrie Bazunu Comrade David Aigbe
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Society of Nigerian Artists
Are you an artist? Are you where you belong? Do you have recognition from your professional body?
Since 1963
Take a stand now! Join the Society of Nigerian Artists Have access to international recidencies and oppurtunities. Benefit from numerous networking and training opportunities. Membership is also open to painters, graphic designers, ceramists, photographers, sculptors, computer illustrators and students. Forms are available at: Suite 5, Art and Craft Village, Central Business District, Abuja. www.snanational.org Enquires: Archibong Bassey Honourable General-Secretary (National) T: 08035100257 archibong@snanational.org basseyplus@yahoo.com
Over the years the Society of Nigerian Artists as a body, and the visual artists in Akwa Ibom State in particular, have been making series of complaints about the lack of appointments of visual artists to the boards and to the leadership of art - based parastatals like the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture and other related agencies. Alas, prayers have been answered with the appointment of artist, Edem Moses as a Director and Head of the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture. Though many saw Mr. Edem’s appointment as long overdue, The Society of Nigerian Artists, Akwa Ibom considers it as “ God’s time.” Indeed, he is a round peg in a round hole– the first visual artist in Akwa Ibom State to rise to that elevated office, to man the affairs of the parastatal. Mr. Edem has been instrumental to the numerous laurels won by the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture, which placed the state at the forefront of Nigeria’s cultural development. His appointment has brought high hopes amongst the visual artists in the state, as well as his staff, knowing his dogged approach and desire to achieve excellence in all his endeavours. An accomplished artist, Edem holds a second-class upper B .A (Hons) degree and a MFA (Graphics) from the University of Uyo. The Akwa Ibom Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) celebrates him and expresses appreciation to Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for breaking the jinx, with this long expected appointment.
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NEWS: APPOINTMENTS
Nigeria’s First Artist Brigadier-General many instances. Brigadier General Olokor was NYSC Camp Commandant 3 times in Paiko Camp, Minna, Niger State (2001, 2002 and 2003). He was Operation MESA Commander during the Minna Crisis. Olokor has been awarded, Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Field Command Medal (FCM) and the General Operation Medal (GOM). The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also awarded Brig-Gen Olokor a commendation letter and a plaque when he was Commandant of the Command Secondary School, Abakaliki (2008 - 2011). He is the first artist (painter) in Nigeria to attain this height in the Nigerian Army. Brig-Gen Olokor’s paintings are in several military institutions, residences of senior (serving and retired) military officers in Nigeria, Liberia, and the UN Headquarters. Renowned chartered accountant, Otunba Olusola Adekonla, acquired most of his works. Olokor attended NTA TV College, Jos in 1995 where he did a course on videotape editing. He has participated in several military exercises as outdoor broadcasting van crew Head. He was a member of the 5-man team that constructed and fabricated the first Nigerian Army outdoor broadcasting van in 1994. While in the war front in the northeastern Nigeria, he used empty artillery shells to construct observation posts and seats for the comfort of troops. He also designed and produced body bags for corpses when the imported types were out of stock.
In December 2016, O.L. Olokor was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the Nigerian Army. He is the first academically trained artist to attain the rank in Nigeria. He hails from Isoko North LGA of Delta State in Nigeria.
Brigadier – General Olokor is a member of Nigeria Teachers Registration Council and Society of Nigerian Artists. He is married to Hajia Fatima and the couple is blessed with 3 boys and 2 girls.
Brigadier-General O. L. Olokor holds a BA (1991) and a MFA degree (1996) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is now completing his Ph.D in fine art (painting) at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso. He is specialising in war art, using the tachist style. Gani Oduntokun, Prof Lucas Bentu and Prof Jerry Buhari supervised his Masters thesis titled Simulating the Effect of War Machines on the Environment. Prof. ROM Kalilu, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor, LAUTECH, is supervising his PhD work titled, Iconology of Forms and Colour in the Nigerian Army. Between 1996 and 1997, Brig-Gen Olokor participated in the United Nations (UN) Mission in Liberia. He held an art exhibition for Nigeria and commanded 11 international parades including the Centenary Flag Hoisting Parade. He was awarded Numerial 2 UN Medal and a commendation letter. He also participated in the fight against insurgency in northeastern Nigeria (2013 - 2016). Brig – Gen Olokor also established the 7 Division Nigerian Army History Hall in Maiduguri and designed the approved the logo of the division in 2013. He also designed the logo of 8 Division Nigerian Army, Monguno while in the service of Nigeria in 3 Division Area of Operation, Jos. He has also designed the logo of the newly created 6 Division Nigerian Army in the Niger Delta. The officer has participated as a resource person in aesthetic issues involving the Nigerian Army at 4
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Let Soldiers Come Out Alive
NEWS: APPOINTMENTS
An Artist Takes Over as Commissioner of Information in Akwa Ibom State
There are practical evidences to prove that an artist is a totally developed being: cognitive, affective and psychomoto. This attribute fashions him or her to fit into any position or work place, not withstanding circumstances. No wonder the legendary Leonardo da Vinci was seen in practical terms as an all - rounder. Today, Mr Charles Udoh presents himself as a legend of our time by daring the banking sector against the mundane impression of an artist, which beginas and ends with a pencil, brush and paper. Until his appointment as the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, artist Charles Udoh was the Head of Brand and Marketing Communication at WEMA Bank Plc. His more than two decades sojourn in the financial sector, showcased his creative ingenuity in digital and off line brand management, communications and public relations. However, Financial Institutions Training Centre, (FITC) created the first pedestal and springboard upon which he stands tall as a trainer and consultant. Here, he displayed the mastery of his artistic skills and the power of
transfer of knowledge, which saw him prove that artistic knowledge and skills, when properly applied in other fields of endeavours, can make positive impact. His presence added value to such financial institutions as First Bank Plc., Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., KPMG Professional Services, Diamond Bank and Adam and Agnes Ltd, an outfit that handled notable brands for Exxon Mobil, FCMB, AXA Mansard, LAMATA, AFREN AND CNBC Africa. His excellent services elevated him as a training faculty member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and FITC. He was the Vice President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks in Nigeria and is a member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria. Charles Udoh studied Fine Art at the University of Uyo. He is a recipient of the prestigious Special Achievement Award of the Akwa Ibom Chapter Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). We are proud of his achievements and our celebration continues.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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BIRTHDAYS
Abiodun Olaku
Prof John Ogene
Akanimoh Umoh
Odun Orimolade
Nsikak Essien
Aniefon Ben Edet
Stanley Dudu
Uchay Joel Chima
Ibe Ananaba
Tessy Iyase Odozi
Obiora Anamaleze
Chris Funke Ifeta
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Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
BIRTHDAYS
Abiodun Olaku (Dec 29) Odun Orimolade (Dec 25) Kingsley Omorefe Iyamu
Stanley Dudu (Dec 23) Tessy Iyase Odozi (Dec 22) Prof John Ogene( Dec 22) Nsikak Essien ( Dec 20) Uchay Joel Chima (Dec 17)
Pam Makanju
Obiora Anamaleze (Dec 15) Akanimoh Umoh (Dec 13) Aniefon Ben Edet (Dec 12) Ibe Ananaba (Dec 11) Chris Funke Ifeta (Dec 10)
Michael Dagold
Kingsley Omorefe Iyamu (Dec 9) Pam Makanju (Dec 7) Michael Dagold (Dec 3) Ebenezer Akinola (Dec 1)
Ebenezer Akinola
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016
Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture VI on Display in Lagos The Wind Sculpture VI forms part of a series of important large-scale works in fibreglass and steel that marked a new departure for Shonibare. Using these materials, he investigates the shifting movement of wind passing through his signature Dutch wax batik fabric. In these grand sculptures, the artist encapsulates the sheer volume of wind three-dimensionally with exquisite dynamism. The organic concaved and convexed shapes formed by nature are mirrored in the patterns, which replicate ‘African’ fabrics. There is a different pattern and palette for each sculpture in the series and this is hand painted onto the surface with bright colours. Together, these elements lend the work a magical and poetic quality that deliberately plays on initial perceptions and frames of reference, a thread running throughout Shonibare’s practice. This work was first shown in 2014 as part of ‘Cannonball Paradise’ at Gerisch Stiftung, Neumünster, Germany. In 2014, a unique edition of the series was installed permanently on public display at Howick Place, Victoria, London. In 2013, two editions of the work were exhibited at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park as part of Shonibare’s major survey retrospective. Wind Sculpture VI is on display with the kind support of GT Bank in collaboration between Yinka Shonibare, Stephen Friedman Gallery and the British Council. For the first major solo exhibition by Yinka Shonibare MBE, RA in Nigeria, Wind Sculpture VI, a six-metre high sculpture, has been installed in Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Ikeja, Lagos. The project is part of the British Council’s UK/Nigeria 2015–16 season, which aims to build new audiences, create new collaborations and strengthen relationships between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Shonibare, who was born in London and moved to Lagos as a child, travelled to Nigeria for the unveiling of the sculpture. 10
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As part of the activities to mark the event, Shonibare gave a talk to students about his work. In addition three of his films; Odile, Addio del Pasato and Un Ballo in Maschera were screened at the site of the installation. The talk was moderated by Oliver Enwonwu, the Director Omenka Gallery, who himself later gave a talk to students about the role of public art in the society. The sculpture is on view at the Park till late January with Omenka Gallery charged with its maintenance.
Yinka Shonibare MBA, RA
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016
Oyo State Chapter Visits HOD Art & Design, Polytechnic Ibadan On Saturday December 22, 2016, the Oyo State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists paid a courtesy call on Mr A. Omotosho, the Head of Department, Art and Design, Polytechnic Ibadan.
L-R: Gen. Secretary Mr Bello R O, Mr Omotosho A, HOD Art and Design, and Chapter chairman Mr Murthada Lawal
SNA Anambra Holds End of the Year Party
Society of Nigerian Artist SNA Anambra State ended activities for 2016 with an end of year party on Sunday December 18 at Trig-Point Hotel, Nibo-Awka. It was a pleasant outing!
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Anambra
Since 1963
SNA Delta State Gets New Executives On Saturday December 17, 2016, the Delta State Chapter of the SNA conducted elections into executive positions. In a fair and credible contest, Pastor Fidelis Atumah beat Mike Saigbodje to emerge as Chairman and take over the mantle of leadership from Rev (Dr) Nelson Edewor. Other newly elected excos are Anthony Okpogho (Vice Chairman), Onakufe Afuevu (General Secretary), Deaconess Edna Ojieh (Treasurer), Joseph Ode (Asst. Gen. Secretary), Nathaniel Onodjohwo (Financial Secretary), Comrade Dafe Sohwo (PRO), and Mike Saigbodje (Ex Officio). Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016
SNA Akwa Ibom State Visits Master Craftsman, Elias Akpan On December 15, 2016, SNA Akwa Ibom State Chapter paid a courtesy visit to master craftsman, Elias Akpan at his ‘craft palace’ in Uyo.
Rasak Bello Represents SNA in NBTE Resource Inspection From December 11-14, Rasak Bello, General Secretary, Oyo State Chapter represented the national body as a resource person on an inspection to the Polytechnic Ibadan for the HND Sculpture programme. The visit was organised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Commissioner Charles Udo Escapes Church Collapse The Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Akwa Ibom, and artist, Mr Charles Udo was among those worshipping in a church in Uyo on December 11, 2016 when it collapsed. SNA Akwa Ibom State visited him in the hospital on December 15. On the entourage was Mrs Victoria Utuk, Chairman Akwa Ibom Chapter, Archibong Bassey, HGS, Pastor Mfon Okon, Vice Chairman Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Blessing Mofat, Elias Akpan and Palmer Noah.
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Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016
Kano/Jigawa State Chapter Visits Prof. Shehu Garba The Executives of the SNA Kano/ Jigawa Chapter recently paid a courtesy visit to Professor Garba Shehu, the Provost, Aminu Kano School of Legal and Islamic Studies. It was also an occasion to present to him his plaque and the certificate of fellowship of the Society.
On NTA’s Tuesday Night Live On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, our Vice President, North Central Dr Adam Sheikh Lemu was a panelist on the Cyril Stoberanchored programme, Tuesday Night Live to emphasize the role of the visual arts in national development.
L-R: Dr Adam Sheikh Lemu (VP North), Mrs Dayo Keshi (DG
NCAC), and Cyril Stober
Diseye Tantua Serves as Judge in Talent Hunt Show On December 4, 2016, Diseye Tantua, the Vice President East served as a judge at the Talent Hunt and Awards for Music and Comedy in Port Harcourt.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016
Olaku Wins the Atlas Society Art Contest Celebrated Nigerian painter, Abiodun Olaku was announced in December, 2016 as the winner of the Atlas Society Art Contest, themed The Entrepreneur: Risks and Rewards. The winning entry with a cash prize of $5,000, captures the spirit of enterprise of many families in pursuit of subsistence in the riverine areas of Nigeria.
Official Visit to State Council for Art and Culture On December 1, 2016, the Akwa Ibom State Chapter executive paid an official visit to Mr Edem Moses, the first visual artist to be appointed Director and Head of the Akwa Ibom State Council for Art and Culture. On the entourage was Mrs Victoria Utuk, Chairman Akwa Ibom Chapter, Archibong Bassey, Honourable General-Secretary, Pastor Mfon Okon, Vice Chairman Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and Mr Edem Moses
Ooni of Ife Unveils Moremi Sculpture The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on November 22, 2016 unveiled a 42feet sculpture, Moremi, Statue of Liberty in honour of Moremi Ajasoro, Princess of the Yoruba. Moremi was a figure of great significance in the history of the Yoruba peoples of West Africa. She was a member-by-marriage of the royal family of Oduduwa, the tribe’s fabled founding father. With 30 risers, the sculpture was constructed on the spot Moremi lived several centuries of years ago. The work is 100 per cent locally constructed by Nigerian artists and engineers with wholly Nigerian materials. 14
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016
Sam Ovraiti Awarded Ambassador of the Auchi Art School Recently, Sam Ovraiti was awarded Outstanding Ambassador of The Auchi Art School at the 7th Auchi Artists Convention. Born in 1961, Ovraiti is known for his stylistic use of colour. He has received a multitude of prestigious awards for excellence, the most recent one being Guinness Top Three Award for Contemporary Artist in Nigeria in 2004. His expressive skills have also led a scholarship to be created in his honor at Auchi Polytechnic.
Stella Awoh’s Daughter Weds On November 19, 2016, Deborah Keliojor Awoh the daughter of former Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos Chapter, Mrs Stella Awoh got married to Olugbenga Oluseun Paseola.
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BURIALS
Tribute: Dr Kefas Danjuma Till he passed away on December 4, 2016, Dr Kefas Nenpunmum Danjuma, was a fellow of the Society of Nigerian Artists and a senior lecturer of the Fine and Applied Arts Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Born on October 13, 1958 in Vom, Danjuma was from Pankshin Local Government Area in Plateau State. From 1972 to 1976, he attended Saint John’s College, Jos. Danjuma also attended the College of Education, Akwanga, Nassarawa State where he earned a NCE. He also gained a BA in Fine Arts, an MFA in Painting and a PhD in Art History, all from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. An erudite scholar, diligent researcher, teacher, Danjuma was also an accomplished painter who gained much recognition for his vigorous brushwork. A member of several professional bodies including; ACASA, NSEA, NOGH NOGH, he was also an ardent golfer, and would be remembered by family, friends, colleagues, art lovers, and most especially, his students, many of whom he mentored. Kefas Danjuma was buried on Friday, December 9, 2016 in Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Oladipo’s Father-in-Law Goes Home Funeral arrangements for Pa Omobolanle Williams Lawal took place from November 24-25, 2016. He was born in 1940 in Ibadan and died on October 14, 2016. Pa Lawal was a disciplinarian and philanthropist, who contributed immensely to his community by building health centres and boreholes. He is the father-in-law of our National Treasurer Yemi Oladipo.
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Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
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Newsletter
Society of Nigerian Artists Since 1963
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ICON
Bruce Onobrakpeya (b. 1932) Bruce Obomeyoma Onobrakpeya MFR, born at Agbarha-Otor, Delta State is a celebrated Nigerian printmaker, painter and sculptor. He studied Fine Art under a Federal Government scholarship at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, now Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and graduated in 1961. Onobrakpeya infuses traditional folklore, myths and legends in his work. He was a leading member of the Zaria Arts Society, formed in 1958 and known famously as the ‘Zaria Rebels’. The group’s legacy is hinged on the philosophy of ‘Natural Synthesis’ - its contribution to a new Nigerian visual vocabulary that fused Western techniques with indigenous traditions. Onobrakpeya has taught art at the old Western Boys’ High School, Benin, his alma mater Ondo Boys’ High School and St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, at various times between 1953 and 1980. He has worked as a guest teacher and artist-inresidence in Europe and the United States. His first one-man exhibition was held in 1959 in Ughelli in the Niger Delta. Since then, he has participated in over 60 exhibitions in Nigeria and around the world. Onobrakpeya’s work can be found in many international art collections, including the Vatican Museum in Rome; the National Museum for African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.; and the Museum of African and African-American Art and Antiquities, New York. He is also represented in the collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and his public commissions include glass-etching panels for the College of Medicine, University of Lagos and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. Bruce Onobrakpeya has won numerous prizes and awards, including; the British Council Award (1969); the Pope Paul VI Gold Medal (1977); the Fulbright-Hays Award (1979); the 5th Triennale- India Silver Medal (1982); the Solidra Circle Award (1985); an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, University of Ibadan (1989); the Fellowship Award of the Society of Nigerian Artists (1989); and the Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2002).
Panel of 4, plastocast 155 x 213cm 18
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FEATURES - COVER STORY VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4
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THE CENTENARY ISSUE
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ARTIST OF THE WEEK
Segun Aiyesan Segun Aiyesan was born in 1971 in Benin, Nigeria. He studied Electronic / Electrical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe (1995). Aiyesan is one of the best-known artists on the Lagos contemporary scene. Largely self trained, portrait and figure studies form a special part of his oeuvre. Aiyesan’s technical proficiency is evident in the subtle rendering of form, mood, and the rich and varied textures of his canvases. Segun Aiyesan has had several solo shows and participated in many group exhibitions in Nigeria, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa and France.
Beaugeste, 2014, oil on canvas, 122x90cm
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REVIEWS
Delta Bush Refineries and Other Stories
Bush Refinery I, 2012, Inkjet ink prints
The exhibition, Delta Bush Refineries and Other Stories, a full self-exhibit at the Omenka Gallery, Lagos, is not intended to cast the stigma of criminals on my subjects, but to push into the public domain a symbolic illustration of Nigeria’s collective failure to genuinely address corruption—an unholy culture that affronts the collective dignity of Nigerians. Oil, crude oil, has provided Nigeria with a surplus economic abundance that has not been utilized since its discovery in commercial quantity in the tiny village of Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956. However, Nigeria is yet to realize the full potentials of its natural resources. One of the bloodiest civil wars in history
soon followed the 1960 Independence. It recorded the death of more than one million souls within the space of just two and half years. After that, decades of military rule, and the unrestrained flow of petrodollars, have conspired to entrench a culture of corruption that Nigeria has not been able to shake off. Even now! Combining the siphoning of crude oil for sale in the black market and the crude process of refining it in the bush locations of the Delta region, is a most dangerous ‘enterprise’ indeed. It engages unemployed youths, who ‘work’ with the connivance of some powerful politicians, who lurk in the shadows, to take what is rightfully theirs. Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
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REVIEWS
Bearing down under the unholy trinity of politicians stealing oil money from the central government coffers, the bush oil refiners engaging in illegal crude oil tapping from the creeks, and the oil multinational flouting standard operational policies, Nigeria’s crude oil story is a ‘basket metaphor,’ of surplus waste, environmental pollution and monumental national crisis. And it will continue to push Nigeria deeper into recession. From the oil boom of the 1970s, more than 400 billion U.S. dollars is estimated to have been wasted on political frivolities. Although military action has now been intensified to stem down oil bunkering activities in the Delta, it doesn’t seem like the unemployed youths will cease this damaging enterprise, except Nigeria’s elite stop their own thieving of the country’s oil wealth. - Akintunde Akinleye (An adaptation from the original text by the same title)
Bush Refinery VI, 2012, Inkjet ink prints
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REVIEWS
Odada
On Saturday December 17, 2016 Yusuf Durodola enacted a performance titled “ODADA”, curated by Odun Orimolade. According to the artist: “Who is to be blamed? Our mental structure, political structure or leadership dysfunction. Who is killing who? No smoke has ever erupted without a traceable fire. The bedrock of all problems is man’s insensitivity to foresee and proffer solutions. In lieu of this, “Odada” a visual performance is staged to bring to bear the developmental ills of our nation Nigeria, aimed at projecting the aftermath of our negligence. It is a signal of danger when a leader has been infected by the disease of insensitivity. Nature was here before the emergence of man, hence nature can never be cheated.”
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REVIEWS
Omoligho Udenta: Dust and Petals
installation view
On November 19, Dust and Petals, an exhibition of recent work by Omoligho Udenta opened to the public National Museum in Lagos. Employing flowers as a metaphor for humanity, the collection comprises works from the past year that ‘‘portray her interpretations of the various aspects of the human race’’. Although primarily working with paper, Udenta has created a variety of pieces inspired by the diversity in nature, and combined a range of materials, forms and arrangements to convey her thoughts and draw the audience to a number of subtle human situations and other often overlooked issues. The main focus of the exhibition is an installation in the femme fatale– themed series titled ‘Eve Metamorphosed II’, based on the concept that every woman evolved from the first woman, Eve, and thus arguably has the same thoughts, desires and flaws. Udenta suggests there are many paths that freewill allows the Eve to take, but this installation illustrates the good one. Omoligho Udenta was born in 1968 and trained as a graphic artist, earning a Bachelors 24
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REVIEWS
Emotions: The Light Emotions, paper, acrylic, adhesive
Emotions: The Scarlet Emotions, paper, acrylic, adhesive
of Arts degree in Industrial Design from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1989). She also holds a Masters degree in Art History from the University of Lagos, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial Design at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Udenta works presently as a lecturer in the Graphic Design Department at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. Since joining the institution, she has participated in various workshops and exhibitions including the 5th National Art Competition 2012, organised by the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), where her entry in collaboration with Afikko Obadina titled Oil, Blood and Tears placed third. The exhibition runs till November 25
Ode to Neolithic Man, Jute, natural dye, adhesive Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
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