Ore Idjubili

(Jubilee Festival)

Bruce Onobrakpeya
An Exhibition of Selected Works
25th - 31st August 2012

ORE IDJUBILI
(Jubilee Festival)
BRUCE ONOBRAKPEYA
An Exhibition of Selected Works Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos. 25 - 31 August, 2012 Supported By

Cover illustration:

Igbudia Erha (Three Fly Whisks) Acrylic on Tripty Linen Canvas 2012

Acknowledgments
Many reasons, too many to mention, have contributed to the success of this Exhibition Ore Ijubili, chief among them is the Grace of the Almighty God who has sustained Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya and his creativity for over five decades. Gratitude goes to Nike Art Gallery for offering to host this exhibition at absolutely no cost charged for the space and for accepting that the space should further be used to host a seminar on Modern Art as part of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Celebration at 80. The Gallery and staff members of Ovuomaroro Gallery have worked very hard to put up this exhibition. Sponsorship for this catalogue came from Mr. Sammy Olagbaju whose unalloyed interest in visual art qualifies for a book in itself. His leadership in art collection takes visual art awareness to the next level. We say a BIG Thank you, Sir! Janet Stanley a long time friend and supporter of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation (BOF) has always given donations that continue to help such artistic events as this show. She has made our artistic landscape richer for her eternal love for Nigerian art. Thank you Janet Prince (Engr.) Yemisi Shyllon has supported this exhibition through the Omoba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF). His interest and love for old and modern art is an example of his dedication to the arts. We say a big thank you also. Bode Olaniran has painstakingly taken very good photographic images and is also one of the curators of the Exhibition. Moses Unokwah, Udeme Nyong and Ele Opaluwa have been responsible for the various and extremely demanding design, pre-press and production stages of this catalogue. Our prayers and thanks go to our numerous friends, too many to mention who embraced us in this Milestone 80th year anniversary celebrations of Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, we say a big thank you, and May God Bless you! Mudiare Onobrakpeya Aug 2012.

Foreword
The theme and title of this Exhibition is Ore Ijubilee which roughly translates to Jubilee Festivity and Thanksgiving: The Jubilee festival and the idea of festivity is central to the works on show. These works are meant to celebrate a lot of things which include, God Given Life, the exploration of talents and endowments bestowed on our lives, Prosperity, Good Reputation, and even a regime of relative good health. This show also provides a wonderful platform and opportunity to express gratitude to Nigeria and all the people who have made it possible for art to develop and flourish in our society. Our press, collectors and patrons, the Government, institutions of learning and several organizations connected to the development of the arts in Nigeria. Finally this Exhibition presents a selection of works in varying media, including prints, paintings, mixed media and installation done over the years, that speak for our God given and inherent creativity. This exhibition is not a retrospective, so not all periods of my creativity are reflected. It is our hope that something of the many developments over the years of my art will show through. This exhibition also lay emphasis on the nomadic nature of my artwork. Like in the book Jewels of Nomadic Images, one study leads to experimentation in different media. This often times employ the dynamic nature of the printmaking medium which allows my art and ideas to be transformed into various exciting end results. The works shown are mostly drawn from the theme of Dance and Celebration, and represents selected art done over time. Other art pieces show masks which encapsulate concepts and ideas that have been used as studies. Over 50 works highlighting the various stages of my development as an artist including installations from 1960 to date will also be on display in this show. Bruce Onobrakpeya August, 2012

BRUCE ONOBRAKPEYA by JEAN KENNEDY In the always lively and frequently flamboyant Lagos art scene there is one man whose quiet presence is pretty well taken for granted. His outward reserve is misleading. It conceals a resolute intent and an impressive record as a creative artist. In the seven years since his arrival in Lagos, Bruce Onobrakpeya has had seven one-man shows, taught art, executed murals and book illustrations and been a prolific painter and printmaker. In the last few years he has won particular praise for his low relief sculpture, another aspect of his flexible talent. Working in this medium led him into other experiments as a printmaker and resulted in a series of deeply embossed linocuts and etchings. A collection of these etchings was recently shown in the United States in February and March of 1971 at American University, Washington, D.C. Onobrakpeya is one of a number of talented Nigerians who were a part of an exciting epoch in Lagos. After independence and before the war there was a lively cultural exchange between artists in all fields, with reciprocal inspiration and participation in various artistic productions. In the midst of this largely urban phenomenon, Onobrakpeya was able to draw on his own Urhobo mythology and imagery from the area of the Midwest Niger delta, using them as ingredients for a contemporary perspective. He describes his efforts as an attempt to create a synthesis. I try to speak to the present about the future and in the process choose what I wish from the past... Nigerian legends, myths and religious philosophies powerfully imaginative and inspiring. Born in Agbarha-Otor near Ughelli in the Midwest, Onobrakpeya first went to school in Sapele and later in Benin. The four years following graduation he taught art in high schools in Ondo and Benin. In 1957 he went to Zaria and completed the four-year course at the then Nigerian College of Technology. A year later he was awarded the post-graduate art

Leopard in a Cornfield

Teachers certificate and was appointed art master for St. Gregorys College. His interest in etching began when he was invited to attend an etching workshop conducted by the Dutch artist, Ru van Rossem, at the Mbari Mbayo Club in Oshogbo. While many painters with academic training are quite naturally reluctant to admit that accomplished work can occur by way of workshop shortcuts, Onobrakpeya is one of those who sees the work of the selftrained artist objectively and as a source of inspiration. Working alongside previously untrained participants in a stimulating atmosphere, some of his finest work emerged and the experience had a liberating effect. Eventually successful sales of his prints enabled him to import an etching press, and in 1967 he began producing color etchings. He is not only a meticulous craftsman, but he keeps a detailed and accurate record of each issue he produces. However, he says, I do not produce prints just for the joy of getting many copies of an idea. Often I never go beyond three successful pulls. Concepts are sometimes enriched by accidental results. Printmaking should not be dull routine. I like to improvise, to leave room for discoveries. This is why I run experimental series. 4

His latest, most imposing work is a series of twelve eight-by-four foot paintings for St. Pauls Church in Ebute Metta, Lagos. He spent months planning the project and completed it in eight weeks vacation time, a strenuous test of endurance. In these paintings he created a new African version of the Stations of the Cross, interpreting the passion of Christ as a drama of victorious sacrifice. He painted the cross not as a tree of shame, but as a triumphant banner throughout (St. Pauls Church Bulletin). He has recently been asked to illustrate the official Nigerian catechism. Many sides of his nature are apparent in his works. His painting Leopard in a Cornfield (see cover) captivates children as well as adults with its colourful spontaneity and amusing combination of elements. As this painting suggests, he delights in the whimsical, the incongruous and the mysterious. This feeling of mystery where are the Travelers going; what is the secret in Have You Heard is enhanced by the richly textured surfaces and the exquisite sensitivity to detail. His energetic search for uncharted forms and design directions and the high degree of craftsmanship he maintains are indicative of the kind of dedication he brings to his work. At its best it is expressionist in character and sets a mood that is almost melancholic. It should not come as a surprise that he claims another source of inspiration: Nature is rich with many tiny beautiful things. Sometimes they are so tiny that the ordinary man propelled by the jet-age spirit can hardly notice them. An artist has a duty to draw attention to them. This is certainly a part of his achievement. In addition and perhaps more significantly, Bruce Onobrakpeya has already resolved the conflict of identity, an inherent problem for an artist of contemporary vision, and is now building on his rich heritage. African Arts Winter 1972

Title: Medium: Year:

Have You Heard Serigraph 2010

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Four Pillars of Progress Brass foil plastocast 152 x 211 cm 1981

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Ibiri (Empowerment) Brass foil plastocast 152 x 211 cm 1981

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Dance to Enchanting Songs (Blue) Acrylic on Tripto Linen Canvas 226 x 152 cm 2010

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Protesting Youths Acrylic on Tripto Linen Canvas 226.5 x 148.8 cm 2005

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Suffering Masses Acylic study on Diptych Linen Canvas 111 x 91.5 cm 2005

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Oracle VI Mixed Media 94 x 94 cm 2010

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Oracle IV Mixed Media 96.5 x 67.5 cm 2011

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Good Governance Jubilee Fan Brass Foil Relief 64 x 42 cm 2010

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Birds and other animals Plastocast 78 x 100 cm 1987

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Leopard on a walk Plastocas 80 x 103 cm 1987

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Jubilee Dance Installation 270 x 442 x 560 cm 2010

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Arinrinri (Long life) Acrylic on Tripto Linen Canvas 160 x 209 cm 2012

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Ekete Keke and Erhevbuye (Laziest Fighters in Benin Mythical) Oil on Canvas 153 x 77 cm 1961

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Oracle XVI Mixed Media 96.5 x 67.5 cm 2011

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Dance in Bush Acrylic on Tripto Linen Canvas 191 x 142 cm 2011

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Nudes and Protest Oil on Canvas 197 x 141 cm 1995

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Smoke from the broken pipe Acrylic on Diptych Linen Canvas 205 x 146 cm 2005

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Dance to Enchanting Songs Acrylic on Tripto Linen Canvas 226 x 152 cm 2010

Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Gala Day Under the River II Acrylic on Tripto Linen Canvas 191 x 142 cm 2011

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Eru (Fear) Additive Plastograph 90 x 68 cm 1998

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Title: Medium: Size: Year:

Travail of the Continent Masquerade Acrylic on Triptylinen Canvas 232 x 157 cm 2012

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Bruce Onobrakpeya: Time Line

1953 1956 1957 1963 1980 1964 Arts Teacher, Western Boys' High School, Benin City. Arts Teacher, Ondo Boy's High School. Arts Teacher, St. Gregory's College, Obalende, Lagos. Printmaking workshops under Ru Van Rossen Organised. by Ulli Beier in Mbari Artists & Writers Club, Ibadan , Mbari Mbayo Oshogbo. Art Department of African Studies Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. Artists-in-Residence in Haystack Mountain of Art and Craft, Maine, U.S.A. Artists-in-Residence (Associate Professor), Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina, U.S.A. Artist-in-Residence, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Artist-in-Resident, Tacoma Public School, Tacoma, Washington State, U.S.A. Artist-in-Residence, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare. Artist-in-Residence, MOJA: An African American Arts Festival, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A. Initiated and participated in the 1st Harmattan Workshop at Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 2nd Harmattan Workshop at Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria Organized and participated in the 3rd Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 4th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 5th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 6th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 7th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 8th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 9th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 10th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria. Organized and participated in the 11th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria.

1973 1975 1979 1984 1989 1991 1991 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004
Bruce Onobrakpeya Facilitates during a workshop organised around Celebrate! Nigerian Art for the Commonwealth (CHOGM) show, Abuja 2003

Some participants of the Harmattan Workshop Agbarha - Otor in 2002

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

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2010

Organized and participated in the 12th Harmattan Workshop at Agharha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS 1959 1960 1962 1965 1967

Aman Armand commenting on his print before its presentation to Bruce Onobrakpeya

First one-man exhibition, Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria. Group show of contemporary Nigerian art in the Independence Exhibition, Lagos. Art From Africa, Phelp-Stokes Fund, New York. Commonwealth Exhibition of Art, Cardiff and London. Biennale of Illustrations, Bratislavia. Group show of nine Nigerian artists. Show toured London, Moscow and Warsaw. International Book Fair, Bologna St. Andrew's School, Middletown, Delaware Howard University, Washington, D.C. Commonwealth Art Gallery, London. Gallery, Watatu, Nairobi Newark State College, Newark, New Jersey Art Society of the International Monetary Fund, Washington, D.C. Afro Centrum Gallery, Berlin. African Heritage Gallery, Nairobi Contemporary African Festival, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, and Museum of Natural History, New York. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Washington, D.C. Sponsored by African-American, Women's Association. Gallery of Litterio Calapai, Glencoe, Illinois. FESTAC '77 Lagos. The Best of Africa, Toronto Saint Paul in Contemporary Art, Vatican Museum, Rome. Tenth one-man exhibition at the Goethe Institute, Lagos. Participated in the Sixth International Print Biennale, Cartwright Hall, Lister Part, Bradford, England. Held a one-man exhibition of prints in Amersfoort Holland. The show was arranged by Mrs. DeVries and sponsorship was by DHV of Lagos and Amersfoort. It was opened by Prof. Ru Van Rossem of Tilburg University. Held a one-man exhibition of prints (with emphasis on printing on metal foil) at the Best of Africa Gallery, Toronto, Canada. One-man exhibition in Glatt Centrum, Zurish, Switzerland. It was sponsored by CIBA-GEIGY and SGS. One-man exhibition of prints and paintings arranged by Galarie Glahe and opened by Nigerian Ambassador to Bonn H.E. Mohammed Lawal Rafindadi.

1967 1969 1970 1971 1972

1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1977 1978 1979

Her excellency Robin Renee Sanders U.S.Ambassador to Nigeria presents a book to Bruce Onobrakpeya (Chairman of BOF) during her visit to the Harmattan Workshop Agbarha - Otor in April 2008.

1979

1980 1980 1981 1982

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Glahe and opened by Nigerian Ambassador to Bonn H.E. Mohammed Lawal Rafindadi. 1982 Had a one-man exhibition of prints and paintings during the official opening of African Universities Press offices and Warehouse at the Oluyole Lay-out, Ibadan. Held a one-man exhibition of prints and painting titled Sabbatical Experiments 1978 1983, co-sponsored by Goethe Institute (German Cultural Institute) NIJ House, Victoria Island, Lagos, and the Society of Nigerian Artists (Lagos State Branch). The guest of honour at the opening was Susanne Wenger from Oshogbo. Held a one-man exhibition titled Bruce Onobrakpeya: 25 years of creative search, at the Foyer and Courtyard of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Held a one-man show of plastograph, prints and plastocast relief paintings to mark the Netherlands/Belgium Week at Goethe Institute Victoria Island, Lagos. Exhibition titled Symbols of Ancestral Groves at the Whitney Young Centre (United States Information Service), Lagos. Exhibition of Sahelian Masquerades, Italian Cultural Institute Lagos. The Sahelian Masquerade was shown in: Kew Garden London, Greenwich Citizen Gallery near London, and Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington State. Participation in Group show titled African Contemporary ArtChanging Traditions, organized by studio Museum, Harlem, New York. Participated in the 44th Venice Biennale. The Horns of Freedom, National Museum Onikan, Lagos in honour of Wole Soyinka at his 50th birthday. Riegelsberger Gallery Mannheim, Germany. A show of recent art works sponsored by ABB (Asea Brown Boveri). Unity Through Arts, National Museum Onikan, Lagos sponsored by Guinness (Nigeria) Limited. Nigeria Images, Annual art show by Society of Nigerian Artists at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Rebirth, Onime Arts Gallery, Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Mushin, Lagos. Sahelian Masquerade, exhibition in National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Sahelian Masquerades, Gibbes Museum of Art Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A. College of Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A; African American Gallery Charleston, South Carolinas, U.S.A. Through the Sands of Time, Didi Musuem, Victoria Island, Lagos. Bruce Onobrakpeya -- A retrospective. One of the events which was organized by Society of Nigerian Artists to mark the artist's 60th birthday at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

1983

1984

1984

1986 1988 1989

Alex Ibru and Bruce Onobrakpeya after the latters visit to the Ibru Ecumenical Centre Agbarha - Otor, Delta State.

1990

1990 1990 1990 1990 1991 1991 1991

1992 1992

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