Bruce Onobrakpeya's Rebellion
A look at some of the career defining periods and techniques of one of Nigeria's foremost contemporary artists.
Panel of 5: Oshare Me jevwe, Omote kporovwe, Adje Ewenvwe kpo, Igurube, Eyame Jevwe (1987) by Bruce OnobrakpeyaOriginal Source: Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Bruce Onobrakpeya's signature art has made him one of the most successful 20th century artists from West Africa, and a very influential figure to numerous Nigerian artists.
Here's a look at specific artworks that employed innovations and techniques which defined periods throughout the artist's over 50-year practice.
Idimarha III (Birthright) (1980) by Bruce OnobrakpeyaOriginal Source: Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Metal Foil Deep EtchingThis artwork depicting various symbols employs the metal foil deep etching technique, with which Bruce Onobrakpeya first started experimenting in the 1980s.
This print technique involves the use of aluminium foil in drawing engraved images.
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The Mask and the Cross (1967–78)During this period, Bruce Onobrakpeya was commissioned by the Church to create artworks with Christian themes such as the 14 stations of the Cross shown here.
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In his trademark rebelliousness, he depicts Biblical figures in Nigerian settings, as the Roman guard appears in colonial military attire, and both Jesus and Veronica appear in Nigerian robes.
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This is indicative of the perspectives he gained as a member of the Zaria Arts Society (also known as the Zaria Rebels), a discussion group aimed at "decolonizing" the visual arts taught by Europeans.
Ibiebe Alphabets and Idiograms (1982) by Bruce OnobrakpeyaOriginal Source: Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Ibiebe alphabets and ideogramsBruce Onobrakpeya invented the writing style to reflect his knowledge of his Urhobo heritage.
He refined this abstract writing style for about 8 years, from 1978 to 1986.
The ideograms, numbered over 100, are put together in a 48-page publication, encapsulating explanations of the veteran artist’s cryptic signs and coded abstract patterns.
Triumph (1994) by Bruce OnobrakpeyaYemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University
Ivorex This technique involves the use of polymer to create the visual resemblance of engravings on old ivory surfaces such as elephant tusks.
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For more of Bruce Onobrakpeya's art, visit the YSMA today!
Michael Oseghale: Museum Manager
Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation
