The period from 1993 to around 1997 was a significant phase in Ben Osaghae’s artistic evolution. During this time, he began lecturing at Auchi Polytechnic, and was fully immersed in its vibrant exploration of colour. This was arguably Osaghae’s most colourful period. In the years that followed, particularly in Lagos, his palette became more restrained—still rich and vibrant, but less youthful in tone.
This 1996 piece captures Osaghae at his most youthful, brimming with movement and vitality. The theme revolves around education, a recurring subject in his work, reflecting the struggle to access learning in a nation where so many yearned for it. The painting depicts a primary school scene, with pupils clutching their bags, eagerly waiting for the school day to begin. In a playful touch, a boy eating a banana appears just outside the painting’s frame—his banana is visible, but he is not. This off-frame presence was a common motif in Osaghae’s early works. Another boy tugs at his banana-eating companion, seemingly urging him to join the school routine. Meanwhile, the central figure gazes directly at the viewer—shy yet determined.
This piece is quintessential Osaghae from this era—crafted with warmth and affection, offering more than just social commentary. It showcases his keen eye for both broader societal behaviours and the small, endearing quirks of human interaction.
As his career progressed, Osaghae’s work became more intellectually layered, engaging both the senses and the mind. But in this early stage, as he painted children embarking on their educational journeys, he worked more from instinct and emotion. In doing so, he connected us deeply with their hope and determination.