AJORIN; Dancemetalphor is an exhibition exclusively showcasing 20 aesthetically pleasing metal sculptures from 5 outstanding, thought-provoking Nigerian metal sculptors.
Notably, it is 1st of its kind organised by [a Nigerian Art Gallery] Thought Pyramid Art Centre; the cradle of art civilization in Nigeria. It is not uncommon to hear METAL ARTISTS being referred to like “regular welders” when they are completely undeserving of such comparison. In the same vein, it is not surprising that a lot of people label the sounds from the welding process as “noise”.
Hence, the inspiration of Ajorin which is a musical allegory that should not be seen as a reaction. Since we want to believe those who use aforementioned aphorisms are not stakeholders or art fanatics with sufficient understanding of arts.
Nonetheless, Ajorin should be seen as a proactive response to purify the reputation and future of this remarkable profession (METAL ART) from the tarnishing opinions such as the previously stated erroneous tags: “regular welders” and “noise”.
STEVE EPKENISI
Steve’s journey as an artist began at the age of five. He spontaneously engaged himself in training without knowing what and where it will lead him. Most times, his parents get angry at him because he destroys and uses their electronics and other gadgets for his artistic exploits.
The common denominator in his works over the years has been the strict attention to intricate details and elegant features that lead to perfect treasures.
His sculptures in all forms of the metal medium have evolved with regard to the socio-economic determining factors because we live in an ever-changing society. His works have maintained constant perfect craftsmanship which emits power, strength, and wealth.
DOTUN POPOOLA
Is a synergetic metal sculptor who has carved a niche for himself with his monumental metal sculptures. He had his first and second degree in Fine and Applied Arts with a specialization in sculpture and painting respectively in Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He is passionate about touching lives through his artistic and leadership skills; turning trash to treasures, rubbish to rubies.
Exhibitions: West Africa International Art Fair “ARTX Lagos” {2018}; maiden scrap art exhibition, Qatar {2019}; and Global Art Festival, Gujarat India {2020} .
Overall, Dotun has participated in twenty-nine (29) group exhibitions, fourteen (14) joint, and five (5) solo exhibitions.
FIDELIS ODOGWU
Odogwu Fidelis Eze is a prolific artist whose knowledge of metal twisting and fabrication has earned him a household name – The Prince of Metal. Some are of the opinion that he is now The King of Metal. Fidelis is one peculiar Artist who is true to himself and equally loyal to his Art.
Odogwu Fidelis Eze{b. November 17, 1970} in Agbor, Delta State. He completed his Higher National Diploma in Sculpture from the famous School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State {1991}.
He has worked with a renowned Nigerian Master Sculptor – Ben Osawe between the period of 1988 to 1989. Odogwu’s inborn ability to transform metal and make it look like paper has singled him out as a favorite of numerous Art Collectors worldwide.
ADEOLA BALOGUN
Adeola Balogun has staged over a dozen solo exhibitions, executed several public monuments, and won several awards. He has participated in several conferences and art residencies within and beyond Nigeria. He is predisposed to interrogating found materials or discarded elements peculiar to his host community during residencies.
Adeola Balogun {b. November 17th, 1966} at Ota in Ogun State, Nigeria. He combines a fully engaged studio practice with an academic career at Nigeria’s premier tertiary institution, The Yaba College of Technology where he graduated from (1993/1994) with a specialization in Sculpture.
He obtained a Master’s in Fine Art (MFA, Sculpture) from the University of Benin (2001/2004), Benin City, Edo State. He bagged his Ph.D. in Sculpture at Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.
COLLINS ABINORO
Abinoro Akporode Collins (b. 1984), attended the School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. There he obtained his National Diploma (ND) in painting and general art (2009). Then graduated with a Higher Diploma (HND) in sculpture (2012) as the overall best graduating student.
Cutlery (spoons and forks ) has constantly been a medium he experimented for 8 years. With it, he has achieved unimaginable sculptures clearly depicting mind blowing forms and details in his work yet been able to twist his subjects to engage issues in his environment.
He draws inspiration from his environment, depicting these experiences with his sculptures rendered in stainless steel cutlery, fire glass and bronze. His art is a mixture of both classical, highly conceptualized and repurposed materials. By repurposing materials, he gives new meaning to the materials without having to allow them to be worn out or discarded.