Ogbue makes bold entry in Verisimilitude

For 20-year-old Olisa Ogbue, the journey into art started with looking for solace and relief from academic stress. This journey has been intriguing and filled with dynamism and discoveries.

A year ago, Ogbue, who is a final year student of Neuro-Science at the King’s College, London, attempted creating art, connecting the dots and carrying out research into the kind of art he wants to do; this paid off as his interest became keener. He later joined other artists for a joint show in London. After the show, his interest grew and he started gathering resources, drawing and learning.

For his solo show held in Ilu Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, titled, Verisimilitude, Ogbue exhibited nine paintings, one clay work and nine T-shirts. The works include Icarus, Sino, Liminality, Heaven and Hell, and others.

Speaking during the show, Ogbue said: “A lot of the works are figures inspired by American caricature images that were used in the past to mock black people, and in this light, I’m trying to juxtapose that past of identity with renaissance like Da Vinci Cavallo imagery that was used. This is like challenging the past labels that were used to describe black people.”

On his journey to the arts, he quipped, “I started last year as a creative outlet to ease the stress of my course. I started by drawing images I saw on the Internet and joined piece to piece and from there, I gained more confidence. I am grateful to the people supporting me.”

When asked the work that stands out for him, he said: “Icarus stands out. When I painted it, the work helped to boost my confidence and ability. It shows my idea, though; it was challenging, but it paid off, and it shows me that it’s possible.

“For now, I am trying to finish my course and see what I can do. I am passionate about my interests and I like to be dynamic.” Speaking also, Dr. Awele Elumelu, who was at the show, said: “Olisa’s works are very interesting. I’ve known him for quite a while and I never knew he was an artist, so, seeing these is encouraging. I see his works as having pride in his roots and heritage.”

She added, “I love one of his works, titled, Icarus. It’s a beautiful piece of work. I am always impressed to see people who can convey whatever is on their minds and express it on canvas.”

CEO, Zigma, Funmi Ogbue, “I am proud of what he has been able to present and host his exhibition. When he indicated his interest in art a year ago, I supported him because I thought it was a way to express himself. I didn’t realise that science students have art capabilities, so, it’s interesting to see him progress as an artist while remaining a neuroscientist who is interested in research and sciences.

“I consider all his work fascinating because there is a central character so, all of them are speaking and saying something, and they have their meanings. I am a lover of art, and I have a collection of other artists, so, I think he has done an incredible job.”