Portrait of the Gbagyi Woman

"Portrait of the Gbagyi Woman"

The painting is the artist's synoptic portrait of a Gbagyi woman. 48" x 48" in size, Oil on Canvas signed and dated bottom right.

Gbagyi or Gwari are peaceful, and creative people living in North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria. Gbagyi is the most populated, indigenous ethnic Group in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, where their major occupation is farming.

The Gbagyi people initially used to live on mountain tops because they believed they were safer on the mountain than at the plain before western civilization influenced relocation of most to the plain.

Very unique portrait of the Gbagyi woman is the placement of goods, however heavy, on their shoulder. She believes the head represents the ruler of the entire body, hence, it should not be burdened. To her, the load feel lighter on the shoulders than on the head.

Traditionally, when a man announces his interest in a Gbagyi woman, he would have to serve seven years in the would be father-in-law's farm, labouring and supplying grains and other farm produce to the bride’s house for her wellbeing. Nowadays, the groom simply pay the bride’s price instead of serving the traditional seven years.

The Gbagyi people are mostly farmers, and also well known for their visual art most especially pottery. Other arts practise include sculpture, iron smelting, and domestic craft.

Stylization of Forms 3

Fig. 1. "Against All Odds" 48"x78" Acrylic on Canvas.

Fig. 2. Painting sketch 21"x31" Acrylic on Canvas.

Graphite Sketch on Paper

Sometimes, the dictates of the creative in painting exploration requires outright sketches that inform the execution to the letter, of the project at hand. Nevertheless, when the mysterious takes over, the other option is to jump straight on to the ground for exploration and allow the creative juice flows reflectively, unhindered.

Stylization of Forms 3 explores the harsh condition of governance where the leader is compelled by the demands of the office to spearhead onslaught against the strange forces assigned to create chaos that distrupts peace in the community. Consultative dialogue and collaboration is the key that opens the door for peaceful coexistence.

This abstract expressionism painting is a triptych titled: "Against all Odds", Acrylic on canvas, 48" x 78" in size (Fig. 1). Each panel is planned to either exist individually or cohabit with the other two panels. The exploration started with a pencil sketch (Fig. 3), followed by a painting sketch (Fig. 2) that eventually translated into three panels.

The painting is simply the artist's subjective interpretation of daily life of the leader and the led in a prosperous nation under attack of insurgency sponsored by foreign influence. Some sleep with the two eyes closed, others with one eye closed not too certain what tomorrow would birth. One nation, different destinies!

Stylization of forms 2

 

"Fruit of the Womb" 45" x 45". Acrylic on Canvas.

It is the beginning of a great creative year 2023.
This piece is a genre abstract Expressionism dialogue that celebrates arrival of a new baby in the traditional Yoruba context.
Yoruba is a tribe in the South western part of Nigeria. The birth of a new baby brings together the entire family of the couple, friends and neighbours. From the first day, people throng to the house daily to rejoice with them. It used to be a time to catch up with latest gossip in town for those who has time to stay back for awhile.

Stylization of Forms

"Kaakaki" Acrylic on canvas, 48" x 78"

Right panel, 48" x 26"

Center panel, 48" x 26"

Left panel, 48" x 26"

The painting is a triptych rendition of the sketch below.

The exploration of forms proceeded with the intention to combine stylization of forms and abstract impressionism. But at this point I decided to sign-off. I really enjoyed this piece or should I say pieces. The beauty of this is that the three canvases could go together or stand individually.

From the Easel- 2017 sketch revisit

Graphite study for "Durbar"

While waiting for my MFA, PGD research defence at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2017. I was privileged to create sketches on abstract forms of  Northern genre. The sketch's theme revolves around one of the events that marks sallah celebrations in the northern part of Nigeria, Durbar. The event is usually marked with colourfully cladded participants which includes horse race.

Below is the beginning of a triptych acrylic painting rendition based on the sketch. Each panel is 122cm x 66cm. I intend to combine my two painting styles in the exploration.

The three pieces together, marks the beginning of an exercise that could take any direction at any point in time. Each could stand on it's own and when put together would still go as one piece. It is all about colour and forms creation.

 

Reflective ballpoint Pen Series

 

"Take your Choice"

"Enchanting"

"Behind the Veil" 

This series revolves around Portraiture study of silent or veiled emotion. Objects of study are brought together with the notion of portraying the heart of the subject matter.

Each theme is subjected to subjective interpretation guided by personal experience or intimacy with the objects presented.

However, title of each work is circumspectly chosen to indirectly guide the thought of the viewer towards the revelation of embedded truth in the core of the theme.

Artworks were created on Strathmore Paper with Bic brand of ball-point pen, black, blue and red.

Hairdresser 2