Nigerian Woman

Born 1931 in Agbor, Delta state Benson G. Osawe was a post-war contemporary drawer and sculptor who was prominent in the use of different media including wood, cement and bronze. He was a native of Benin City. His father was a carver at the royal court of the then Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Eweka II. This sparked his early enthusiasm and interest in sculpting as a child. Under the tutelage of his father, he gained his first informal exposure to this age old artistic technique that was symbolic in the art tradition of his hometown. He went on to study at the School of Graphic Art, London (1956-59) and the Camberwell School of Art and Crafts, London (1960-65), specializing in sculpture. He returned to Nigeria in 1965 after his studies in the UK and shared a studio with Felix Idubor in Lagos. He eventually settled in his hometown where he practiced as a freelance artist from 1976. In the course of his illustrious career, Ben created numerous sculptures in bronze and wood, many of them exploring themes of African women and the African heritage and ideals. His works were widely exhibited at home and abroad.

Ben Osawe makes a brilliant attempt to realism in this stylistic expression of the Nigerian Woman. This very inviting portrait is unique in every sense with its extraordinary details. The smooth texture, contours and overall structure embody his authorial identity as an artist. Symbolic in its own rights, the portrait is filled with different qualities that are synonymous with the Nigerian, African woman including beauty, elegance, confidence, simplicity, courage, humility, resilience, strength and boldness. Bringing these attributes to life in a piece of art is an ability that is very remarkable.