Ceremony of Purity Painting

Imhonigie Imoesi Imhonigie was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria, graduated from Federal Polytechnic Auchi with a Higher National Diploma in painting and general art, majoring in painting in 1999. Upon graduation, he embarked on a full time career as a studio artist. Following a four–year residency that commenced in 2005 and 2009 at the National Gallery of Art, Lagos (Nigeria). Imhonigie was an executive member of the Lagos State Chapter of the Society of Nigeria Artist (SNA) as the financial secretary. He is an environmental campaigner, for his works depicting a variety of landscapes. Imhonigie’s paintings are influenced by nature. He generally captures the co-relationship between the environment and humanity. This underpins the philosophical basis of his paintings. Imhonigie’s works are predominantly oil on canvas and he paints with pallet knife. His works also expresses the dynamism and vibrant nature of African culture including traditional religions and urbanization. Imhonigie has exhibit excessively and his work has gained increase popularity in both public and private collection. Some of my works are in collections of the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria. I have my works in the of Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria. Some of my works are in Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon collections. etc Imhonigie is a member of Nigeria Artist Society UK (NASUK) also a member of Society of Nigeria Artist (SNA) Artist Statement The subject of my works are predominately nature painting because of its role to humanity. My works are about the importance of nature to man, the interdependence of Man and Nature in relation to the Universal Force. Man and nature are inseparable. I also do figure paintings of Africa traditional and cultural belief and way of life. My works are predominately oil on canvas applied with the palette knife, I like to apply my paint very thick on canvas to create a delicate and bold impasto texture. The images I use for work are originally mine, I visit nature myself do some drawings of what interest me and also take some photographs with my camera which I will later turn to paintings in my studio. I also attend traditional and culture festive in Nigeria to source for information for my studio works too.