August 20th - September 28th
Reception | Friday, September 13th from 5-7pm
West African Art featuring Oshogbo Artists of Lagos
Collection of Cynthia Gresham
My husband’s 3-year job transfer with General Electric in 1979 took us to Lagos, Nigeria. The wife of his client there was the curator for the Oshogob Artists’ Commune weekly showing in her home, which had been continuous for 15 years. When the current expatriate in charge is transferred out of country a new expatriate takes it over, so it continues.
I would help her set up every Thursday and watch the numerous Expatriates come through buying everything they could get. Mostly British, Nigeria had been a British Colony, but also many Germans and Americans. This is how I was introduced to the many artists involved and I began purchasing selected pieces and getting to know the artists when they delivered new artworks every week.
This is where I met and became good friends with Bruce Onobrakpeya, an outgoing, happy 60-year-old, and whichever son. He had seven, accompanied him that week to carry inventory. I also got to know David Dale quite well, and met Teyo Quaye, Jimoh Buriamoh and several other carvers and painters associated with the show.
When we finally moved into our permanent quarters in Maryland, a suburb North of Lagos City Center, I would make a point of traveling every Thursday to help set up the show. I cannot explain what a wonderful experience this was, and an honor to become part of the artists lives. I eventually acquired over 180 pieces to bring home so this exhibit is merely a small glance into what I found beautiful and personally meaningful.
I hope you enjoy the exhibit.
- Cynthia Gresham
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Visit the full exhibit in person at Bower Center for The Arts from 11am-3pm Tuesday-Saturday. Keep an eye out for a virtual exhibit walkthrough video soon!
Exhibit Gallery
