Ben Osaghae's 'Miracle for Sale'

'Miracle for sale' is a painting by Nigerian artist Ben Osaghae's spiritual series. Here he captures the spiritual contradictions prevalent in the Nigerian society.

He depicts the worshipper in supplicating gestures.

Led by their pastor...

They seem to resurrect the dead, who emerges from the grave on the right.

All this is done to the amazement of the onlookers to the left.

The painting is punctuated with an usher holding out an offering bag, whilst the 'miracle' is being performed.

Ben seems to highlight the unwholesome emphasis on financial prosperity in the church at the expense of salvation of the soul.

He highlights the quest for riches and miracles in a society where poverty drives many to pastoral pastures.

Colour plays a central part in this work, but drawing is the anchor that keeps them in place. Also, because of the flat backgrounds, the characters are brought to the foreground.

The lines become outline, sign, sketch, contour, text, graffiti or boundary. The line remains clear underneath the ragged edges of the colour masses.

The painting is done with sweeping brushstrokes and great gestural intensity, which helps to transmit the emotional intensity of the subjects.

With this painting he wanted to say something. He wanted to compel the viewer to confront the situation and take a position, leaving no room for neutrality.