STEVE EKPENSI
Steve Ekpenisi {b. 13th of August 1978} in Abavo, Ika South Local Government of Delta State, Nigeria. He had his early education in Nkwo Primary School, Udomi, Abavo, and post-primary in St. Charles College, Abavo. Studied sculpture in Federal polytechnic Auchi Edo State where he graduated as the overall best student with distinction in the 2007/2008 academic session.
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.
One of his greatest inspirations is his stature, as he is fondly called small body big engine. He creates extraordinary sculpture that does not equate with his body size, thereby proving that we can do anything when we actually determine to.
Over the years, he has taken metal as his medium of expression. He meticulously works with discarded metal plates, rods, stainless steel, mild steel, scrap metal, and disposed cans. His sculpture is usually life-size or larger than life in both figurative, imaginative, animal, and semi-abstract. His creations are of global contemporary standards.
Watching Steve work in his studio is a delightful theatre. He wrestles with metal, cuts, bends, and weaves it into artistic precision. Then the sparks from the welding machine. It is evident he derives the utmost satisfaction when the creative drama progresses.
Membership: Society of Nigerian Artists {SNA}; Universal Studios of Art, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos; Sculptors Association of Nigeria (SCAN).
Solo Exhibition: Diary of the iron bender {2020}
Group Exhibitions:
Oreze 5 and 6 {2018&2019};
Faces and Phases 6 {2018};
Saving the Earth, Workshop/Exhibition Abuja{2018};
Illumination 3, Lagos {2018};
Exploring Nigeria-Korea Visuals, Abuja{2017};
Ambassador’s Night, Abuja {2014};
Re-Integration of the Roots, Badagry Festival{2014};
Illumination [Illuminating the World via Art], Lagos{2013};
Aesthetic Bonds,{2007};
Select Fellow Artists, Auchi, Edo State{2003}.
