Artists

Artist’s BiographyPopoola Nurudeen is an indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, South west Nigeria. But was born and brought up in Lagos. His works are highly influenced by his origin, taking the indigo (blue) colour of the “Adire” (Tie/dye) to depict his figures. This makes his works go beyond aesthetic but also stand as a drive to make his viewers be able to remember and unite with their origin everywhere they might find themselves. Nurudeen is a graduate of the prestigious Yaba College of Technology Lagos, where he studied Fine art and majored in painting. He has the award for the best student in (painting section) 2014 and 2015 respectively, and also the overall best graduating student in the school of art, design and printing, Yaba College of Technology Lagos, 2016. He also have the award for the best painting/mixed media in the 2018 Life in my city arts festival (LIMCAF). He has been part of some exhibitions and competitions which includes: Lasgidi Arts and  Cultural Festival 2012, passing on the torch, (Didi Museum) 2014, Lagos art and fashion exhibition 2015, 5th lasgidi cultural art exhibition 2015, united nations information centre art exhibition 2017, the 9th life in my city art competition 2015 (Lagos finalist), 10th life in my city art competition 2016, world aids day art competition 2015, winner world bipolar day art competition 2018, DIVERSIFORM 1 group exhibition at Moorhouse 2018, ikoyi Lagos,Lasgidi Art and cultural exhibition, Freedom park lagos 2018,  Lagos Contemporary art exhibition (lekki  coliseum) 2019, DIVERSIFORM 2 art exhibition 2019, Diversiform 3 exhibition, Diversiform 4 exhibition, 2021. He had his first solo exhibition "EVOLVE" February 2021.He exhibited at the 2022 Dak'Art Biennale, Senegal. He’s one of the finalists in the annual NOK exhibition in Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Lagos 2023. He featured in “Green fuse”, a group exhibition at Graham Contemporary, Johannesburg in 2023.He also exhibited at “Last Act” a group exhibition in Thought Pyramid Lagos, December 2023. His works has been collected both locally and internationally. after his NYSC, he worked briefly as a lecturer at The Ultimate University Portnovo, Beninrepublic. Popoola works are inspired by Africa and its people.

Benedict Odinigwemmadu Enwonwu simply known as Ben Enwonwu was one of Africa's foremost artists to gain global recognition in the 20th century.   He was a Nigerian Artist of the Igbo descent widely regarded as one of Africa's most influential modern artists.EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATIONBen was born on July 14, 1917, in Onitsha, Anambra, Eastern Nigeria. He was first introduced to art at a very young age by his father who was an Igbo traditional Sculptor. In 1933, Ben began his formal art education at Government College Ibadan and went on to complete it at Government College Umuahia in 1937 under the tutelage of Kenneth Crossworth Murray, a British art trainer of the colonial Administration in both Schools. His first solo exhibition was in Lagos in 1944 which won him a scholarship to further his art education at the Slade School in London, making him the first African Art graduate.ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENTBen Enwonwu's artistic development was heavily influenced by his cultural heritage and his experiences growing up in Nigeria. Enwonwu's artistic career began in the 1940s when he started studying art in London. He was exposed to a range of artistic styles, including European modernism and traditional African art, which had a significant impact on his work. Enwonwu was particularly interested in the idea of fusing traditional African art with modernist techniques and styles. Throughout his career, Enwonwu produced a wide range of art, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings. His work often explored themes related to African identity, culture, and history. Enwonwu was also known for his portraits, which captured the beauty and complexity of the people he depicted. Enwonwu's artistic development was marked by a dedication to experimentation and innovation. He was constantly exploring new techniques and styles and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world. This commitment to innovation helped Enwonwu gain international recognition and establish himself as one of the most important African artists of the 20th century.RETURN TO NIGERIABen played a key role in establishing and shaping the country's art scene. He advocated for the preservation and promotion of indegenoius Nigerian art forms. He served as an art supervisor of the colonial office upon his return from his studies in 1948. He worked worked as the cultural advisor to the newly formed Nigerian Government after independence in 1960. He also served as a teacher, writer, and an art critic.  Ben was a professor at the universityof ife and lectured at Harvard University,New York University and Horward University USA. He was the artistic adviser to FESTAC the second black and African festival of arts and culture in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977.Ben Enwonwu's achievements in Nigeria are numerous and significant. He was a pioneer in the Nigerian art world and played a crucial role in promoting and developing modern art in the country. One of Enwonwu's most significant achievements was his role in establishing the Zaria Art Society in 1958. This group of artists was dedicated to promoting modern art in Nigeria and played a crucial role in the development of contemporary Nigerian art. Enwonwu was also appointed the first art advisor to the Nigerian government in 1959, a position that allowed him to promote the arts and culture of Nigeria on a national level. He was a strong advocate for the importance of art education and played a key role in establishing the first art schools in Nigeria.Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu was a Nigerian artist who lived from 1917 to 1994. He is considered one of Africa's greatest artists, and his works have gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Some of his most famous works include "Anyanwu," "Adetutu," and "African Dancers." Enwonwu's art often focused on themes of identity, culture, and history, and he was known for his ability to blend traditional African styles with contemporary Western techniques. His legacy continues to inspire artists across Africa and around the world.HIS WORKSHe embarked on the African dance series after Queen Elizabeth's commissioned sculpture. He ventured into african traditional works which was largely inspired by a book titled "African Dances" a book authored by Geoffrey Gorer in 1935. Ben used the series as a visual illustration of his views on the state of the modern Nigerian culture at the time, with attention to the symbolic imageries he saw in different scenes of traditional ceremonies, cultural dances and ritual performances of different ethnic groups in the country. This became a dominant theme throughout his career and was revisited in alot of his paintings.

Adeola Balogun Combines a fully engaged studio practice with an academic career at Nigeria’s premier tertiary institution, The Yaba College of Technology. He graduated from Yaba College of Technology, with specialization in sculpture (1993/94) and Masters in Fine Art (MFA, Sculpture) at the University of Benin (2001/4), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He also acquired a PhD (studio) in Sculpture (2019) from the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.Adeola Balogun is well recognized as a prolific contemporary Nigerian artist. As a multidimensional artist, he has built a reputation in his prowess manipulating sculpture mediums however, his artistry transcends this distinction traversing other regions of the visual arts. This he realizes through uncanny capacity in transforming mundane materials that have seemingly lost their primary purpose into object of remarkable aesthetic contemplation, imbued with multilayered meanings. Over the years, Balogun has carefully nurtured a reputation for himself as a sculptor who animates his material with an eye for fluidity. This is a fluidity that brings to life items of daily use which may seem to have fallen into disuse, but are revived by the artist’s wish to make them stand again and speak in that way in which sculptural art, for all its fixity, is able to speak to our imagination. It is a fluidity that engages in a critical conversation with the condition of society, utilizing objects from our everyday existence to make comments on issues of our daily experience. Adeola’s works continue to generate interest in Nigeria and beyond with his iconic bull series realized through the exploration of discarded materials that include rubber tires, lithographic plate, circuit boards, and more recently, old coins. He is predisposed to interrogating found materials or discarded elements peculiar to his host community during residencies. His adroit application of horse shoes in the interrogation of life-size equine figures in the Netherlands has endeared him to a substantial followership in that clime.His creative trajectory straddles diverse mediums, techniques and concepts in sifting and espousing the essence and the crystallization of his subject. Recurring in his creative explorations is the up-cycling of e-wastes (electronic panels). These are engaged through their characteristic of being integral components in technology, either in two or three dimensions. Adeolaapplies electronic wastes as a universal metaphor tointerrogate the notion of technology and transformation. Adeola Balogun staged his thirteenth (13th) solo exhibition, themed: Transmogrification(2022). Othersinclude: Current Rhythm, CAMAA(2019), Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Tribute to Fela(2019), Galleri Astley, Uttersberg, Sweden, Bubbles of Emotion(2017), Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, Connections I & II (2015), Galleri Astley and GalleriPumphause, Uttesberg and Trollhattan, respectively, Sweden, Mirage I (2014), ArtHub, Abudhabi, Mirage II(2014), Quintessence Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, Matter Redirected I & II,Galleri Astley, Uttesberg and GalleriPumphause, Trollhattan, Sweden (2013), Soundspiration, Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, Ants and Giants(2011), Quintessence Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, Infinite Patterns(2009)), Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, TheSeed Phenomenon(2006) amongst others. He has also participated in several group shows such as Artssembly(2003) Ajorin Dance Metaphor(2020), October Rain(2022), and others. Several commissioned projects within Nigeria and beyond aretohis credit. He was an artistinresidence in 2013, 2015, 2019 atGalleri Asley , Uttesberg, Sweden, artist-in-residency,at ArtHub (2014), Abu Dhabi, UAE amongst others.Some of his selected public commissioned works include the late Michael Ibrustatue (bronze, 2017), at Michael & Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, The late Ayangburen of Ikorodustatue (2015), Ikorodu, Lagos, ObafemiAwolowo (19ft) statue, formally at Allen round-about, Ikeja, Funso Williams bronze statue (18ft), at Western Avenue round-about, Also are the Towards Achieving Distinction, (welded metal sculpture, 25ft) and Symbol of Justice and Culture statue (bronze, 26ft), commissioned by PrinceYemisiShyllon, for the University of Ibadan Campus, Oyo State (2009) and University of Lagos (2015), Nigeria, respectively. His works History(2015), welded steel sculpture (11ft) and Outflow, an installation, are both at Galleri Asley collection, Uteshberg,and Veteran at The People’s House, Trollhattan,Sweden. Balogun has participated inseveral seminars and conferences both within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. Hehas also contributed to journal publications. He has facilitated and/or participated in several creative workshops such as Quintessence Nigeria Limited/ Galleri Astley Residency (2013, 2015, 2019), Sweden and First Upcycling (2014), Art Hub, Abu Dahbi, UAE, Harmattan Workshop, Nigeria, and others. A large body of Balogun’s life-size bronze sculptures(35 pieces)and tyre works can be found in OYASAF, (a private art foundation, established by Prince YemisiShyllon)collection,Freedom Park, Ikoyi, Lagos and Yemisi Shyllon Museum.He has worn several awards which include: Plaque of Appreciation and Award of Recognition, 2018 and 2019 respectively by Cornelius Adepegba Museum of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Distinguished Master Artist (2015)by Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), faculty awardasVisual Experimentalist of the Decade (2011), Faculty Awardsas Best Student in Life-Drawing and Sculpture in 1993/94 set, amongst others.

BEN OSAWE A PROMINENT AND EARLY ARTIST OF THE POST INDEPENDENCE ERA BEST KNOWN FOR MODERN SCULPTURES AND WOOD CARVING.Ben Osawe was a Nigerian artist born on the 3rd of August, 1931 in the town of Agbor Delta State, Nigeria. He was first introduced to art by his father, who was a sculptor serving as a wood carver to the court of the Benin Kingdom Osawe went to UK for his formal education. By the 1960's, Ben had already exhibited throughout Europe. He was a prominet figure in the art world and a highly regarded Nigerian artist known for his unique style and technique. Osawe was largely a self-taught artist and began his career as a sign painter, but later transitioned into fine art, where he became a pioneer of contemporary African art.Osawe's work was heavily influenced by traditional African art, and also drew inspiration from the works of Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. He was known for his use of vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, which portrayed his deep understanding of Nigerian culture and traditions. His works often depicted scenes from everyday life, including marketplaces, musicians, and dancers, and were characterized by a sense of movement and energy.As one of Nigeria's foremost artists, Osawe's works were exhibited in various galleries and museums around the world. Some of his most notable exhibitions include the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. Despite his international acclaim, Osawe remained committed to his roots and continued to draw inspiration from Nigerian culture throughout his life. He was a mentor to many young artists and played an important role in the development of the Nigerian art scene. Ben Osawe passed away on the 16th of May, 2007 at the age of 75, but his legacy lives on through his art. His contributions to the world of art have helped to shape contemporary African art and continue to inspire and influence young artists today.

DAVID HERBERT DALE THE ARTIST FAMOUS FOR BEAD AND STAINED GLASS TECHNIQUEDavid Dale is a British Nigerian-born artist. Born to an English father and a Nigerian mother in 1947. He lived in the United Kingdom with his aunt at age 2 where he attended his primary education at Groombridge in England then later he went to Guildford Grammar School, Surrey England for 3 years. After almost 20 years, he returned to Lagos Nigeria where he completed his secondary education at St. Gregory's College. He encountered Bruce Onobrakpeya who was the then art teacher at the college who encouraged his interest in the art.He further went to study at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1971 specializing in illustration and graphic design. He later moved back to Lagos to practice, working with Bruce Onobrakpeya for a few years before setting up his own studio. In the 1980's he practiced his art, explored other areas of art like advertising, and part-time art teaching with the University of Lagos.Most of his works especially the early and most popularly known artworks are done in the lino engraving and foil methods that Onobrakpeya practiced. Dale's practice and inspiration from Bruce drove him beyond printmaking through a variety of media including colored beads, charcoal, and stained glass. Some of his works explored the energy and variety of urban life in Lagos. He is known as the master of mixed media beads and stained glass. he was a graphic consultant for the African Architectural Technology Exhibition for FESTAC 77'He worked consistently in 23 different media in over five decades of his career. Among his regular mediums were;Oil Color, Beads, Glass, Watercolor, gouache, stained, wrought iron, etching, mosaic, lino print.Dales's works have featured in 58 shows in countries like Spain, Australia, Holland, Sweden Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the USA, France, the USSR, brazil Canada, the UK, etcHis commissioned works in stained glass can be found at the following places;Our Saviours Church Onikan, Lagos, NigeriaMosaic at St. Agnes Catholic Church Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria.Murals at MTN building Ibadan, Oyo state, state house marina, Lagos Shell headquarters and stock exchange Nigeria Perhaps the biggest honor to Dale came in the Gbadamosi-organized soiree, in 2012. It was a celebration of the 40-year-old relationship between the collector and the artist.David Dale died in 2019, in Lagos at the age of 71 after battling a prolonged stroke ailment. 

BRUCE ONOBRAKPEYA IS A HIGHLY RESPECTED AND VERSATILE NIGERIAN ARTIST WHO HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART PARTICULARLY IN SCULPTURE AND PRINT MAKING.Born on May 30th, 1932 in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria, Onobrakpeya developed an early interest in art, which he pursued through his studies at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (now Ahmadu Bello University) in Zaria. He was influenced by his father who was a wood carver. After completing his studies, Onobrakpeya went on to teach art at various institutions, including the Nigerian College of Arts, Science And Technology, and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he passed on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of artists.He is a member of the Zaria Arts Society later called the Zaria Rebels, which was formed On October 9th, 1958 by a group of art students at the college led by Uche Okeke with the aim of decolonizing the visual arts as taught by European Expartraits.Onobrakpeya has said that the college gave him technical skills but the Zaria Arts Society a discussion group shaped his perspective as a professional artist. Society gave him the confidence to seek personal expressive Idiom. He elongated his figures, ignored perspective, and evoked the supernatural through ambiguous decorations. A unique blend of traditional Nigerian art forms and modern artistic techniques characterizes Onobrakpeya's work. He is especially known for his "printmaking" and "plastic paintings," a technique he developed that involves applying various materials, such as sawdust and glue, to a painted surface to create a relief effect. This technique gives his paintings a three-dimensional quality that is both visually striking and texturally interesting.WORKSBruces' body of works includes a wide range of pieces spanning various mediums. Some notable works and series include.THE FIRST SEGMENT (THE MYTHICAL REALISM 1957-1962)This period represents paintings and lino-cut prints that depict folklore themes, and northern landscapes (Zaria). This is the period of his early development as an artist which coincided with the Nigerian Independence.The Idea of projecting the African Personality was of major importance and concern to the artists of this period. it was at that time that the Zaria Art Society was formed which is the forerunner of SNA. Some of the works are;Awhaire and the birdHunetrs SecretA tree in the Northern LandscapeTwo facesBoli womanTHE SECOND SEGMENT (THE SUNSHINE PERIOD 1962-1967)This period focuses on the artist's workshop experiments and his bronzed lino relief series known as the sunshine period. He also attended a lot of workshops. Some of the works in this period include;Leopard in a cornfieldScare Crow (Silkscreen)Man and two wives (Silkscreen)THE THIRD SEGMENT (THE MASK AND THE CROSS 1967-1978)This period represents when the artist executed several Christian themes commissioned by the church such as the Nativity. Some of the works in this period include;Nativity II (Lino Engraving)The last days of christ (Plastocast)Obara Ishoshi (bronzed lino relief)Pope John Paul (metal foil)THE FORTH SEGMENT (HISTORICAL VIGNETTE 1978-1984) This period represents the historical vignettes. The pictures are known as the symbols of ancestral groves and they are historical, majorly royalty from the Benin kingdom. Some of the works include;ObaEghrighriIbiebe and the TortoiseEnemu.THE MASKED SERIES (1990-1995)This period represents the development of images, which inspired depictions of masks treated in different print media that bring out the philosophiesof different and the same light, addressing the subject of change.  SOCIAL UNREST (1990-1995)This is a period of strife within the society. This is represented by large paintings which are prayers for divine help against military dictatorship and political instability. Here we have drawings and pictures that focus on the murder of Ken Saro Wiwa. Other works include;Ekugbe (Unity)Nude and ProtestSmoke from the broken pipe.THE INSTALLATION PERIOD (1995-Date)This period, Onobrakpeys embarked on installations as an art form. These works are characterized by the arrangement of different discarded materials to create works of art. These wew essentially to draw attention to the importance of protecting our environment. Works in this category include;Adam and EveAdjeneNew City IIIVoices of Silenced Voices.Throughout his career, Onobrakpeya has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award for Arts and the UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of the Arts. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. and the British Museum in London. Onobrakpeya's art has also been featured in several publications, including the book "Contemporary African Art in the Diaspora," which showcases the work of African artists living outside the continent. His influence on the African art scene is undeniable, and his unique style and techniques continue to inspire and influence artists both in Nigeria and around the world. Overall, Bruce Onobrakpeya's contributions to the Nigerian and African art scene have been invaluable, and his legacy as a pioneer of contemporary African art will continue to inspire generations to come.