He is undoubtedly Nigeria's best-documented
artist; Bruce Onobrakpeya needs very little introduction in art circles both within
and outside of the country. He is indeed a living legend; Bruce Onobrakpeya has
devoted his life to his work, and is today regarded in some quarters as the
main custodian of Urhobo folklore and culture. He never forgets his roots; he
is unapologetically attached to the history, art and culture of the Urhobo
people of South-South Nigeria. He tells their rich history and portrays
unendingly the colourful cultures of his people in his writings, paintings and
of course his major medium of expression – print-making.
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| Bruce Onobrakpeya |
Bruce Onobrakpeya is a founding member of the
Zaria rebels; they were actually a group of young artists who formed the
nucleus of the art department or the Zaria (art) School when the current Ahmadu Bello
University was known as the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology
(NCAST). He is of course also a shining light among the first generation of
academically trained artists who were responsible for the renaissance in
Nigeria’s contemporary art.
He was
in the vanguard of the early league with contemporaries such as Ben Enwonwu,
Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke, Demas Nwoko, etc. In the course of his academic and
studio exploits, Onobrakpeya had pitched his tent with, and triumphed through
his vision from St. Gregory's College, Lagos, where he headed the fine art
department - teaching, raising and mentoring so many disciples including one of
his popular protégés – David Dale, also an accomplished print-maker.
After a memorable stint in the school which
spanned a period of about thirteen years, he retired fully into his studio –
Ovuomaroro Studios located in Mushin, a suburb of Lagos. Since then he has
continued working assiduously extending his practice and mentoring a host of adherents
through apprenticeship, extensive research, guest lecturing and writing.
Through his various workshops and symposia, Bruce Onobrakpeya has influenced
generations of young artists, and he is today respected and acknowledged as one
of the leading print-makers in the world.
