Onobrakpeya encapsulates life-long career in exhibition

A known legend of Nigerian arts and culture, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya  through his brain-child-Harmattan Workshop is partnering with Hogan Lovells – a global law firm and Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) to stage what is being described as a “grand exhibition encapsulating Onobrakpeya’s life-long artistic career.” At a press briefing in Lagos, Onobrakpeya, 84, said […]

A known legend of Nigerian arts and culture, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya  through his brain-child-Harmattan Workshop is partnering with Hogan Lovells – a global law firm and Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) to stage what is being described as a “grand exhibition encapsulating Onobrakpeya’s life-long artistic career.”
At a press briefing in Lagos, Onobrakpeya, 84, said he still has a lot to offer especially in demonstrating his artistic potentials in preserving African cultures.
“This particular exhibition is being put up to celebrate yet again, some of the works I have put together in my more than 50 years sojourn in this industry. I have in here for showcase, 34 important works, all of which I believe will be cherished by generations to come.
“Yet, the exhibition will not be just about me. There are more than 200 other art works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and mixed media works created by a total of 124 Nigerian and international artists who have at one time or the other attended the Harmattan Workshops in Agbarah-Ottor, Delta State, since 1998,” Onobrakpeya said.
The Partner and Head of Africa, Hogan Lovells law firm, Andrew Skipper said the decision of the global law firm to partner in the art exhibition was derived from its growing interest in Africa as well as cultural values, Africans cherish.
“Africa is a diverse and ever-evolving business market. As head of the global team, we ensure that our law firm truly understands, respects, operates and invest in Africa. And of particular interest to us are African values and heritage which we believe Prof. Onobrakpeya’s works represent.
“We believe by partnering to host this exhibition, we will help in preserving cultures and values that are dear to Africans,” Skipper said.
The Chairman, Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), Yemi Candide-Johnson said it is not out of place for the court to have interest in issues that epitomise culture and tradition of the people it serves.
“We consider ourselves as key stakeholders in the preservation of values, arts and culture and it is the major reason we have keyed into this,” Candide-Johnson said.
The exhibition curator, Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago said Prof. Onobrakpeya, who was part of the famous Zaria Rebels, still has a lot to offer the art and culture industry and that the exhibition would go a long way in reinforcing that.