BIOGRAPHY
I was born in Ukehe, Nigeria in West Africa. At a very young age i was always constantly making drawings on the sand with sticks excitedly. At that time, i knew that i wanted to be an artist.I loved drawing and enjoyed a good experience with colours during my time at the secondary school. I was very motivated and decided to proceed to read art amidst many challenges from my parents, then.
They wanted me to become a lawyer instead but i refused because of my love with colours and drawings.
I went to the University of Benin, Benin-city, Nigeria, where i studied painting techniques and art history. I was one of the best in my class.
After my graduation in 1995, i worked until 1999 as the curator and manager at the famous, Didi Museum in Lagos, Nigeria. During that period i had curated and organised different exhibitions and art related symposia. Further to my credit, i have also had contracts with several banks and companies, where i did beautify their offices with my paintings. Besides, i have won many prices in Nigeria during my time as a curator.
Until now, i have participated in many art exhibitions throughout Nigeria and here in The Netherlands.
Most of my paintings usually depict the everyday life of the people in Nigeria and broadly, in Africa.
I also try in my works to relate the early life experiences which are the major story-lines and subject matter of my paintings. Irrespective of the fact that atimes, i tell interestly some sad experiences with colourful pallet because of my desire for bright hues and mixed media techniques.
Although, this desire for very bright colour hues stand for ‘hope’ which is symbolic and paramount in day to day life’s of the people in Africa.
Therefore, my paintings are in no doubt, a reflection, footnotes, resilience, resistance and mainly, a mirror of life in Africa.
In addition, i see my paintings as my voice to expressing and depicting what is going on in that continent, Africa.
Among others, the women play some subjective roles which i mostly use to express this situation.
Regretably and sadly on a bigger scale, the women carry the heaviest socio-cultural burden and demands. Yes, a burden of neglect, marginalization and inequality that trail their lifes in every sector of human activities which today, needs a global attention.
My paintings are rendered majorly in oil, acrylic colours and charcoal. Lastly and worthy to mention is that often times, i try to combine these medium to achieve my desired mixed media technique. Therefore, welcome to my world …which is our world.
CV
Date of Birth: October 5, 1970.
State of Origin: Enugu.
Nationality: Nederlands.
Marital status: Married.
Institutions attended.
2006 Landstede Harderwijk, Nederland.
1998-1999 University of Lagos, Nigeria.
1988-1993 University of Benin, Benin-city, Nigeria.
1983-1988 Premier Secondary School Ukehe, Nigeria.
1981-1982 Central School Umunko, Nigeria.
1976-1981 Central School Ukehe, Nigeria.
Qualifications Obtained.
Nederlandse als 2de taal, NT2
Bachelors of Arts in painting (2nd class upper division).
Masters in industrial relations and labour laws.
WASC/GCE.
First School Leaving Certificate.
Work Experience.
1994-2000 Curator/Conservator, Didi Museum Lagos, Nigeria.
Art Exhibitions.
Mixed grill (group) Abraka, Nigeria.
NAFAAS art exhibitions Benin, Nigeria.
Group salon exhibition at Didi Museum Lagos, Nigeria.
Group exhibition at Equitorial Trust Bank Lagos, Nigeria.
Group Exhibition at “Mezutrum prate”, Austria.
Solo exhibition at “Didi Museum” Lagos, Nigeria.
2008-2012
2008 Solo exhibition at “Grand café” Elburg, Nederland.
2008 Solo exhibition at “Bibliotheek” Hasselt, Nederland.
2007 Buitenlanders art exhibition at “Galerie Donkervoort” Benk en Donk, Nederland.
2009 Group Exhibiton at “Eerste Galerie” Nijkerk, Nederland.
2010 Solo exhibition at “Gemeentehuis” Elburg, Nederland.
2012 Duo exhibition at “Galerie de Langenhof” Zwolle, Nederland.
2012 Solo exhibition at “Keek” Utrecht, Nederland.
2012 Solo exhibition at “Bibliotheek” Zwolle, Nederland.
2014-2015
Solo exhibition at “Viattence, zorginstelling” Hattem, Nederland.
Solo exhibition at “Isala kliniek” Zwolle, Nederland.
Duo exhibition at “Mennorode conferentieoord” Elspeet, Nederland.
2017-2021
Solo exhibition at gallery Donkervort Kunst route de Veluwe
Solo exhibition at Galerie kiek-kus at Deventer.
Took part in Colour field perfomances in Elst.
2022-2025
Kunstroute Noord Veluwe Tekens van Verre, Hardenberg Gemeente huis Emmeloord
Gemeente huis Kampen
Veluvine Nunspeet
St. Jansdal Harderwijk
High court foyer in Maastricht Kunsthal Almelo
Took part in Colour field perfomances
Awards.
Academy Press Award for excellence in painting.
Best youth corp member in Eti-Osa local govt. area, Lagos/Nigeria.
Lagos govt.recomendation in painting.
Hobbies.
Reading, out-door activities and sports.
STATEMENT
Each piece of my paintings is a distinct journey into the heart of Africa, blending rich cultural narratives with vivid portrayals of contemporary life. Crafted with a bright palette and diverse techniques, my art is not just aesthetically pleasing, it is also a mirror reflecting socio-political realities. Imbued with symbolisms and subtle messages, my work is especially renowned for highlighting the plight and resilience of African women. By owning any of my paintings, you’re therefore, not just adding to your art collection but ; you’re becoming part of a compelling dialogue on African life, history, and the enduring quest for equality.
……….’ by the Curator Momaa Museum, Amsterdam. ‘
