Idimarha III (Birthright)

Born 30th of August, 1932 in Agbarha-Otor, Delta state, Bruce Onobrakpeya is Nigeria’s foremost graphic illustrator, painter, printmaker and sculptor. He studied fine art at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science & Technology (NCAST), now Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained a Diploma in Fine Arts, in 1961, specializing in painting and history of art. He was a pioneer member of the Zaria Art Society alongside other likeminded students including Uche Okeke, Yusuf Grillo, Demas Nwoko, Simon Okeke among others. As a renowned African art educator, he has travelled and taught in various institutions at home and abroad and has published numerous scholarly works. Onobrakpeya was also a pioneer member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). He is a recipient of Nigerian National Order of Merit Award for Humanities, Arts and Culture. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) for his contribution to the growth of art in the country and his service to the nation.

Idimarha III (Birthright) is metal foil relief print depicting mythical figures. Prominent is the Y-shaped feature in the middle looking like a tree. Another figure looking like a goat or sheep with beards, long horns and a long wagging tail. On the top right corner is a motif round in structure, probably depicting the rising sun or the moon. Looking very closely, one would observe other motifs that seem to represent people. The entire piece seems to denote a shrine of worship.