Diligence, discipline, key to success in the arts – Ovraiti

One of Nigeria’s foremost visual artists, Sam Ovraiti has advised upcoming artists to remain diligent and disciplined in order for them to succeed in their chosen professions. Ovraiti gave the advice while announcing his solo art exhibition themed, ‘Sam Ovraiti, Retrospective: Exposition of 36 years Romance with the Language of Colours.’ The event, started yesterday […]

One of Nigeria’s foremost visual artists, Sam Ovraiti has advised upcoming artists to remain diligent and disciplined in order for them to succeed in their chosen professions.

Ovraiti gave the advice while announcing his solo art exhibition themed, ‘Sam Ovraiti, Retrospective: Exposition of 36 years Romance with the Language of Colours.’

The event, started yesterday at the Alexis Gallery, Lagos and will end on the 19.

The artist said, it is to celebrate his 36 years of practice, exploring his works, styles and media record. The expo will showcase 40 of Ovraiti’s oil and pastel paintings.

The painter, who attributed the lack of diligence and discipline to the failure among young artists over the years, noted that art was gradually gaining recognition in this part of the world.

He, however advised that painting should not be embarked on for financial gains, but should be seen as a profession an individual must have a passion for.

He said, “An artist who wants to be successful must be disciplined, focused and diligent. Painting as a means of survival is not appropriate; but whoever is taking up the career must examine himself, to be sure of having the passion for the art. When the passion is lacking, the will power to forge ahead in times of trial, will equally be lacking.”

Speaking about his style, Ovraiti said he would not want to be referred to as a water-colourist but a water-colour painter; because he had employed different objects in his paintings over the years.

The curator of the gallery, Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis expressed satisfaction at having Ovraiti running his first solo exhibition in 20 years at her gallery.

She described Ovraiti as a painter with a huge knowledge of colours, experience and painting, who could paint with his eyes closed.

“Ovraiti is a true master painter; his strokes are very bold, his palate knife incredible, and his colours are pastel,” she said.

Chidiac-Mastrogiannis said that a retrospective exhibition was important for artists who wanted to move their arts to the next level.

She noted that the exhibition would offer artists opportunities to retrace their steps, to refresh and re-position their minds and imagination for new challenges.