Onobrakpeya's work Bruce Onobrakpeya

1 onobrakpeya s work

1.1 art periods
1.2 innovations

1.2.1 ibiebe alphabets , ideograms


1.3 selected exhibitions

onobrakpeya s work
art periods

a definitive work on art of bruce onobrakpeya have intense exercise. each of these segments represents specific periods in artist s studio practice, spans period of on 50 years.

the first segment mythical realism (1957–62), represents paintings, , lino cut prints depict folklore themes, , northern landscapes (zaria). period of development artist, coincided nigeria s independence. idea of projecting african personality of major importance artists of period. @ time zaria arts society, forerunner of society of nigerian artists (sna), formed , accompanied propagation of concept of natural synthesis . works in category include paintings: awhaire & bird, hunters secret, , tree in northern landscape, , lino cut prints zaria indigo, 2 faces, boli woman , awakening (negritude)

the second segment focuses on artist s workshop experiments , bronzed lino relief series otherwise known sunshine period (1962–1967). period when started attend various workshops. of popular works of period include leopard in cornfield (iino print), scarecrow (silkscreen) , man & 2 wives (silkscreen)

the mask , cross (1967–78) series represents period when artist executed several christian themes commissioned church such nativity ii (iino engraving), last days of christ (plastocast), obara ishoshi (bronzed iino relief) , pope john paul (metal foil), plastography period, time when artist developed lot of ideas started in zaria in late 1950s , 1960s such travellers ii, songs of life, , rain & cry @ otorogba.

the fourth segment represents historical vignettes. these pictures known symbols of ancestral groves (1978–84) depict historical figures, royalty benin kingdom such oba aka. other works in period include eghrighri , ibiebe.

the sahelian masquerades (1984–88) pieces created highlight destruction of environment these works focused on cultures of sahelian regions works in period loaded lot of political undertones such horns of freedom, , edjo aton (principles of governance), draws lot of attention role of government in relation issues of desertification.

the mask series (1990–1995) represent development of images, inspired depictions of masks treated in different print media bring out philosophies of people. address subject of change. images , /i panel of 15 represent period.

social unrest (1995–99) period of strife within society. represented large paintings, prayers divine against military dictatorship , political instability. here have drawings , pictures, focus on murder of ken saro wiwa. on front burner. ecological , socio-economic problems. in segment have works ekugbe (unity), nude & protest , smoke broken pipe.

finally enter installations period (1995 – date), period artist embarked on installations art form. these works characterised arrangement of different discarded materials create works of art. these installations draw attention importance of protecting our environment. works in category include animals of eve, adjene, new city iii , voices of silenced voices.

innovations

since 1966, experimental artist, onobrakpeya has discovered, innovated , perfected several techniques both in printmaking , relief sculpture uniquely nigerian. generally, printmaking fine art process of producing pictures plate artist has created. having conceived idea, artist creates image or images on plate through of printmaking techniques. images transferred onto paper or other surface printing or embossing method. advantage artist can use 1 of such plates produce many copies of artwork required, giving them various colours. onobrakpeya has increased techniques tremendously.

bronzed lino relief collage of used lino blocks bronze colour patina. onobrakpeya developed relief technique in 1966 way of preserving used blocks in possess sculptural qualities.

plastocast relief painted low-relief design cast resin. idea started extension of bronzed lino relief. used plastograph plates (like used lino blocks) have sculptural low relief effects make them unique art works. attempt retain original used plates, , @ same time give collectors chance possesses , share beauty of original, led onobrakpeya develop method of creating other original plates existing used plates through use of plaster of paris. sometimes, small plates same or similar themes arranged , cast form larger picture. further development in plastocast relief carving directly on abandoned or congealed plaster of paris applying resin on cast , pulling out positive. deep engraving on plaster of paris produce bold relief, depends on nature of plaster of paris. known plastocast plate. painted or tinted plastocast plate becomes plastocast relief.

plastograph term given onobrakpeya describe deep etching technique innovated in 1967 through referred hydrochloric acid accident. engraving on low relief surface made of zinc or similar surface material , printed in intaglio style.

additive plastograph technique involves making of print images on sheet of sand paper, using glue drawing medium. glued sand paper using intensive solar heat. ink applied resultant images intaglio inking process. link in excess wiped off dry cloth. later taken press register relief created glue on soaked , semi-dried cartridge printing paper. finally, registered impressions painted, using pastel oil achieve desired forms artist.

metal foil deep etching plastograph print in aluminium foil used draw engraved images. thin foil cut , placed on engraved plate , embossed sheet removed, turned on , filled resin stabilise relief. resin filled foil laminated on plywood or no other surface. onobrakpeya first started experimenting foils , experiments transformed foils print medium in 1980s. used printed plates try out technique.

metal foil relief print three-dimensional metal foil print drawn on plastocast plate. thick foil cut , placed on plate , hand pressed transfer shape of picture on plate. foil removed , filled behind. laminated onto plywood , coloured in same way metal foil deep etching print process discussed above. note while metal foil deep etching print drawn plastograph plates, metal foil relief print hand embossed on plastograph plate.

ivorex new technique developed onobrakpeya simulates optical effect of old ivory engraving on bone or elephant tusk. material used, however, polymer.

ibiebe alphabets , ideograms

ibiebe writing style developed onobrakpeya. features invented script of ideographic geometric , curvilinear glyphs. designs reflect artist s knowledge of urhobo heritage, rich in symbols , proverbs elicit, appreciation of chinese, japanese, ghanaian , nigerian calligraphy. onobrakpeya invented , refined script called ibiebe 1978 1986, when revisited in art, ideas linked traditional religion, customs , history. ibiebe glyphs aim @ encapsulating universal concepts of timeless values. artist delights in script s forms , visual qualities power communicate. these ibiebe ideograms abstract, lend calligraphic, painterly , sculptural presentation.

selected exhibitions

1959 first one-man exhibition, ughelli, delta state, nigeria.
1960 group show of contemporary nigerian art in independence exhibition, lagos.
1962 art africa, phelps stokes fund, new york.
1965 commonwealth exhibition of art, cardiff , london.
1967 biennale of illustrations, bratislava.
1967 group show of 9 nigerian artists. show toured london, moscow , warsaw.
1969 international book fair, bologna
1970 st. andrew’s school, middletown, delaware, howard university, washington, d.c.
1971 commonwealth art gallery, london.
1972 gallery, watatu, nairobi. newark state college, newark, new jersey.
art society of international monetary fund, washington, d.c.
1973 afro centrum gallery, berlin.african heritage gallery, nairobi.
february 1974 contemporary african, national museum of african art, washington, d.c. exhibition of contemporary developments in art of africa. exhibited alongside ibrahim el salahi, skunder boghossian, twins 7 seven, valente malangatana , others
1974 contemporary african festival, field museum of natural history, chicago, , museum of natural history, new york.
1975 martin luther king, jr. library, washington, d.c. sponsored african-american women’s association.
1976 gallery of litterio calapai, glencoe, illinois.
1977 best of africa, toronto. saint paul in contemporary art, vatican museum, rome.
1978 tenth one-man exhibition @ goethe institute, lagos.
1979 one-man exhibition of prints in amersfoort, netherlands. show arranged mrs. devries , sponsorship dhv of lagos , amersfoort. opened professor ru van rossem of tilburg university.
1980 one-man exhibition of prints (with emphasis on printing on metal foil) @ best of africa gallery, toronto, canada.
1980 one-man exhibition in glatt centrum, zurich, switzerland. sponsored ciba-geigy , sgs.
1981–82 one-man exhibition of prints , paintings arranged galarie glahe , opened nigerian ambassador germany h.e. mohammed lawal rafindadi, in bonn, germany.
1983 one-man exhibition of prints , painting titled sabbatical experiments 1978–1983, co-sponsored goethe institute (german cultural institute) nij house, victoria island, lagos, , society of nigerian artists (lagos state branch). guest of honour @ opening susanne wenger oshogbo.
1984 one-man exhibition titled bruce onobrakpeya: 25 years of creative search, @ foyer , courtyard of institute of african studies, university of ibadan.
1984 one-man show of plastograph, prints , plastocast relief paintings mark netherlands/belgium week @ goethe institute, victoria island, lagos.
1988 exhibition of sahelian masquerades, italian cultural institute, lagos
1989 sahelian masquerade shown in: kew garden london, greenwich citizen gallery near london, , pacific lutheran university, tacoma, washington state.
1990 participation in group show african contemporary art – changing traditions, organised studio museum, harlem, new york. participated in 44th venice biennale.
1990 riegelsberger gallery mannheim, germany. show of recent art works sponsored abb (asea brown boveri).
1990 unity through arts, national museum onikan, lagos sponsored guinness (nigeria) limited.
1991 sahelian masquerade, exhibition in national gallery of zimbabwe, gibbes museum of art charleston, south carolina, usa, college of charleston, south carolina, usa, african american gallery charleston, south carolinas, usa
1992 bruce onobrakpeya: retrospective. 1 of events organised society of nigerian artists mark artist’s 60th birthday @ national museum, onikan, lagos.
1993 spirit in ascent accompanied 270-page monograph, press conference , symposium sponsored shell petroleum development company of nigeria limited , launched chief philip asiodu, hon. secretary of petroleum , national resources @ niia victoria island, lagos. society of nigerian artists co-organizer of events.
1994 inaugural group show @ pushkin art , antique gallery victoria island, lagos
1995 7 stories modern art in africa – whitechapel art gallery, london. 1 of events of britain’s global showcase africa ’95.
1996 7 stories modern art in africa – malmo konsthall, malmo, sweden. ivorex engravings including shrine ii entered 7 stories modern art exhibited in london , malmo.
1996 onobrakpeya @ singletary gallery & african art museum; portsmouth, virginia, usa. exhibition opening accompanied presentation of paper onobrakpeya s son titled footprints of tiger
1998 wise art gallery, norfolk state university, usa
1998 ovuomaroro @ elizabeth city state university, north carolina, usa
1998 christine gerlach show, german community, abuja, nigeria.
1999 exhibition of prints , paintings alliance francaise, ikoyi, lagos. promoter of nigerian art-goethe institute, victoria island, lagos. christine gerlach show, german community, abuja, nigeria.
1999 amos tutuola show – folklore-inspired art in honour of novelist – aina onabolu house, national gallery of art, national theatre, iganmu, lagos.
2000 exhibition of paintings, prints sculptures, installations etc. otu-ewena artists, aina onabolu, building national theatre complex, iganmu, lagos.
2000 onobrakpeya @ armstrong/slater gallery, virginia, usa
2001 century city: art , culture in modern metropolis – tate modern gallery london.
2001 bruce onobrakpeya @ singletary gallery & african art museum; portsmouth, virginia, usa
2001 2 identities: printmakers bruce onobrakpeya , mitzi humphrey @ visual arts center, tcc @ olde towne, portsmouth, virginia.
2002 exhibition of paintings, sculpture, mixed-media prints, ceramics , installations otu-ewena artists international, aina onabolu, building national theatre complex, iganmu. exhibition in honour of onobrakpeya @ 70.
2002 bruce onobrakpeya: window art: retrospective exhibition of selected works various periods of artistic career spanning 1957 date, held @ national gallery of art, aina onabolu building, national theatre complex, iganmu, lagos
2002 exhibition: rhythms of forge: presentation of fourth harmattan workshop series (agbarha otor), @ french cultural center, kingsway road, ikoyi, lagos. presentation comprised lectures demonstrations, seminar , exhibition of artworks selected 4 harmattan workshops far held i.e. 1998, 1999, 2000 , 2002.
2002 exhibition: jewels of crucible: exhibition presented works produced @ 4th harmattan workshop, showcasing recent developments in jewellery bronze casting, wood carving , several other media. works of otu ewena artists international shown @ nimbus art center, maitama sule street, ikoyi lagos.
2002 participated in exhibition: rhythms of fulfilment organised akwa ibom chapter of society of nigerian artists. exhibition in honour of onobrakpeya @ 70 , opened governor victor obong attah of akwa ibom state , featured works of on 30 artists.
2002 ways of rivers: arts , environment of niger delta: showed installation akporode @ ucla fowler museum of cultural history. exhibition expected tour various cities in us.
2003 celebrate exhibition: abuja, nigeria: major contributor chogm (commonwealth heads of government meeting) exhibition organised lead artist chinwe chukwuogo-roy mbe , john sheeran.
2004 onobrakpeya @ singletary gallery & african art museum; portsmouth, virginia, usa
2004 harvest of harmattan retreat. exhibition organised in collaboration pan african university, lagos.
2004–06 gods , mortals meet: continuity , renewal in urhobo art, new york, columbia, s.c. , washington d.c., usa
may 2004 art , democracy, group exhibition mounted during 5th anniversary of democracy in nigeria; held @ nelrose hotel, asaba, delta state.
2006 jewels of nomadic images, held @ quintessence gallery, falomo, ikoyi, lagos.
2008 auction / exhibition organised arthouse contemporary limited, @ civic centre, victoria island, lagos.
2008 october rain. society of nigerian artists (s.n.a) group exhibition – held @ national museum, onikan, lagos.
2008 auction / exhibition organised arthouse contemporary limited, @ civic centre,victoria island, lagos.
2008 art expo, organised art gallery association of nigeria (agan) in conjunction national gallery of art (nga), held @ national museum, onikan, lagos.
march 2010 africa now. auction/ exhibition @ bonhams, manhattan, new york citya.
2010 retrospective exhibition of bruce onobrakpeya titled legacy @ grillo pavilion in ikorodu, lagos nigeria.
2010, evolving currents , art exhibition in celebration of 50 years of nigerian visual arts in honour of 50 years of independence. exhibition organised iroko art, abuja, nigeria.
november 2011, beyond imagination exhibition of artworks nigerian masters. (artists exhibited include ben enwonwu, twins 7 seven, muraino oyelami, erhabor emokpai, bruce onobrakpeya , others) @ thought pyramid exhibition center, abuja, nigeria.
may 2012, bruce onobrakpeya , harmattan experiment (artists exhibited included onobrakpeya, sam ovraiti, duke asidere, juliet ezenwa maja-pearse , few other past participants of annual harmattan workshop) @ kadjinol station during dakar 2012 biennale, senegal.
august 2012, ore ijubilee (jubilee festival). solo exhibition of selected works @ nike gallery, lekki, lagos, nigeria.
october 2013, jewels of nomadic images. exhibition of works in various media bruce onobrakpeya @ skoto gallery, new york city.
november 2012, totems of delta: culture , environment. annual convocation fine art exhibition, institute of african studies, university of ibadan, ibadan, nigeria. curated dr o. i. pogoson.
december 2012, 5th edition of international art expo, lagos, organised art galleries association of nigeria (agan) in honour of prof. bruce onobrakpeya @ 80, featuring selected works artist. exhibition took place @ national commission museums , monuments, onikan, lagos, nigeria, , declared open mr sam olagbaju.
february 2013, faculty of arts: art exhibition, east wing basement, ugbowo campus, university of benin, edo state, nigeria. exhibition accompanied lecture artistic odyssey: printmaking expression of life s adventures prof bruce onobrakpeya.
2014, dubai art fair, curated mydrim art gallery.
2015, art in nigerian century – exhibition on nigerian contemporary art, lagos, nigeria, curated adhiambo odaga of clear coast communications.

exhibition of mixed media , prints @ temple muse, victoria island lagos.

participated in exhibition of artists’ book @ museum african art smithsonian institution washington d.c., u.s.a.