UHUN (HEAD DEITY)
Acrylic on canvas
160 x 200 cm
2022
(Available. Artist collection)
Part of The Juju People project
Most coveted amongst thousands of the Benin Bronzes are the Bronze Head(s). One was sold for £10m in 2016. This painting, first in The Juju People project, is a contemporary reflection on the centuries old religious practice of the Edo People (formerly Benin Kingdom, in southern Nigeria). Observed by millions and central to the religion is the belief that the head is the seat of the ehi (soul/spirit) and offers direct link to one's ancestors. It is common practice among the Edos to erect altars for this purpose which often include items such as bust sculptures, staff, material items from a deceased forebear, etc. Whereas the practice is essentially the same throughout the region, objects used differ based on an individual’s social ranking, family lines, community and more.
For this painting, I had used earthy colours to capture the face. This was inspired by the predominantly reddish orange soil of the region. Whereas the backgrounds bluish green colour is reminiscent of the verdigris patina formed on brass, bronze and copper, materials used in the Bronze Heads. The tobacco pipe was added as the only item I remember from my grand father. He passed before I was four.
For exhibition, lease or collection of this painting, click here.
ARTISTIC APPROACH
Effectively, my professional artistic career spans many years and has seen the creation of over 100 paintings. About half of these are in private and public collections in Nigeria, Russia, Luxembourg, France, Lithuania, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, UK and Spain. As you will discover here, my paintings are contemporary, simplistic, distinctly colourful yet also subdued. I paint unconventionally with limited tools of improvised cups and bottles, often pouring and spreading paint on canvas with different levels of control. This self-developed technique results in my three ecstatically distinct groups of paintings.
A group of my paintings involve painting small distinct puzzle-like shapes and objects to create a whole painting. I developed this technique in 2006 and I started using it as a predominant means of painting after arriving in Luxembourg in 2017.
Painting in this manner did not just become a means of artistic creation but also a form of mental therapy. This is in part due to the level of concentration, calmness and time required to complete the canvas. Additionally, the technique became symbolic to my ability to put the pieces of my life back together.
A second group of my paintings are achieved through a less controlled pouring of mixed colours from cups and bottles to create the desired image on canvas. I started experimenting with this technique in 2009.
The third group of my paintings are achieved by pouring mixed colours from nuzzle-tipped bottles to create waves of lines or droplets on canvas. I have mainly used this technique for paintings inspired by memories of hallucinations as well as paintings serving as cleaners for the puzzle-like paintings.
L.A.L.A.
Acrylic on canvas
160 x 200 cm
2022
(Available. Artist collection)
I created the painting in 2022 to artistically document a pivotal moment in my relationship with my partner. The creation process involved a secret traditional rite which will be kept a secret to only be revealed to whoever owns the painting. Similarly, the full meaning of the title is a secret.
For exhibition, lease or collection of this painting click here.
above
LE TIGRE
Acrylic on canvas
160 x 160 cm
2020
(Available. Artist collection)
The Tiger is the third painting in the endangered animal painting series. It captures the last call of a tiger for help before getting killed by poachers. The painting, like the Rhino and Un Éléphant ou d’Ivoire?, were created between 2018 and 2020 as part of my support for the conservation of wildlife and nature.
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LA VIE (LIFE)
Acrylic & oil on canvas
200 x 150 cm
2019
(Available. Artist collection)
Every painting has a life of its own. Some take a more dramatic form than the others. La Vie started out as a giant still-life painting. After a salvageable accidental colour spill, I saw something different on the canvas. This is the semblance of what I saw.
About exhibiting, leasing or collecting any of these paintings,
above
SPRING
Acrylic on canvas
160 x 160 cm
2020
(Available. Artist collection)
I love walks. Never more so than during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns . The forest floor were full of blooms and blossoms. Or maybe the pandemic had forced me to notice this more during this unexpected break as spring renewed the land. This painting was my effort to preserve those moments spent walking or watching birds and insects in and around the Bambesch Forest in Luxembourg city.
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RAIN OF COLOURS
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 200 cm
2020
(Available. Artist collection)
A part of being an artist is having wild imaginations. I imagine that one day I can make it rain colours from the sky. Until then, this painting serves the purpose for me. But I warn you, if you look closely, you might find out more about survival.
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DREAM
Acrylic on canvas
70 x 70 cm
2021
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
Part of X-Ray project.
Most parents have great hopes for their young children. But who can determine the future? A father said to his young son, "dream son, dream!". But the child died before his 12th birthday.
About exhibiting, leasing or collecting a unique recreation of this painting, click here.
DREAM FESTIVAL DE NATIONS 2022 LOGO
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 80 cm
2022
(Unavailable. Ville de Grevenmacher collection. Luxembourg)
The painting was commissioned by the integration committee of the Ville de Grevenmacher, Luxembourg, to mark its annual Festival of Nations 2022 event. The original logo design was created by the committee.
UNTITLED (COMMISSIONED)
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 100 cm
2021
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
UNPLANNED LIFE
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 70 cm
2021
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
Part of X-Ray project
About exhibiting, leasing or collecting a unique recreation of this painting, click here.
INTERTWINED
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 80 cm
2018
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
It is a figurative abstract painting created to capture the moment lovers lock lips and become one. Possibly a reflection the artist's personal situation or desires.
About exhibiting, leasing or collecting a unique recreation of this painting, click here.
above
LA SOCIÉTÉ II (SOCIETY II)
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 100
2018
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
This painting, like the first version, was created as a result of my exploration of the relationships between people living within a giving society and the world at large. As can be observed in the painting, we are all linked to the rest one way on the other. The first version is in a private collection in Spain.
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THE FAMILY CIRCLE
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 100
2018
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
This is an abstract family portrait. The painting comprises of two large circles (representing couples) fused together to create a middle circle (representing children). The painting highlights family values while emphasising the importance of parenting.
About exhibiting, leasing or collecting unique copy of any of these paintings, click here.
above
LA SOCIÉTÉ II (SOCIETY II)
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 100
2018
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
This painting, like the first version, was created as a result of my exploration of the relationships between people living within a giving society and the world at large. As can be observed in the painting, we are all linked to the rest one way on the other. The first version is in a private collection in Spain.
below
LE MAÇON (THE BUILDER)
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 100
2018
(Available. Private collection. Luxembourg)
First, he builds himself. Then his family. He is the society. The painting represents UNO’s convictions that the strengthening of the family unit, starting from oneself, invariably builds the society.
About exhibiting, leasing or collecting any of these paintings, click here.
INTERTWINED
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 80 cm
2018
(Unavailable. Private collection. Luxembourg)
It is a figurative abstract painting created to capture the moment lovers lock lips and become one. Possibly a reflection the artist's personal situation or desires.