DOWNTOWN Painting

Architect,Artist,Pedagogue, Born in Lagos, Nigeria, this multifaceted individual's life journey has been a remarkable odyssey through art, architecture, and education. Raised in the post-independence era of Nigeria, he was influenced by his father's occupation as a cook for Italian specialists, introducing him to the culinary world and the art of fine dining. Growing up in the village of Ikot Ekong, situated near the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern delta region, he was surrounded by an environment rich in artistic inspirations. From his maternal uncle's craftsmanship in weaving cane baskets and chairs to his father's pursuit of photography, and even his paternal uncle's penchant for humor, the foundation for his artistic inclinations was quietly being laid. Despite his early exposure to art, he spent his childhood shuttling between his village and the urban slums of Lagos, as his father aimed to instill a strong connection to his tribal roots. It was during one such trip that the Nigerian Civil War broke out, separating him from his father for nearly three years. The sights and experiences of village life, especially the images of women returning from the farm against the backdrop of the setting African sun, would later serve as powerful sources of inspiration for his creative works. His father's career as a photographer deepened his appreciation for the human form and instilled in him a unique perspective on anthropomorphism. This later became a distinct advantage when he pursued architecture studies, enabling him to excel in rendering human figures. Although his parents initially aspired for him to become a medical doctor, his path took a different turn when he stumbled upon sketches in the architecture department of his university. This serendipitous encounter led him to change his field of study from Biochemistry to Architecture. The transition marked a turning point in his life, allowing him to engage in formal art and creative expression. His journey continued as he successfully transferred to the Architecture department, where he could unleash his artistic talents through drawings and assessments. This was just the beginning of his educational and artistic exploration. After obtaining a scholarship to study Architecture in the Soviet Union, he completed his MSc. in 1991 and Ph.D. in 1994. It was during his time in Moscow that he had a chance encounter with the world of art galleries.