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
This artwork has many elements of Osaghae’s style – movement, colour, figures existing at the margins of the artwork, minimalist strokes…His canvases rarely had superfluous elements. Every stroke contributed to the story. By the time this artwork was created in 1999, he was on a steady journey towards a more minimalist expression of his ideas.
The artwork presents two aspects of Osaghae. There is his movement towards a minimalist style that required the viewer to participate mentally in order to understand and enjoy the artwork. Then there is his understanding of symbolism – an ability to appreciate the symbols that define our times. In this artwork, it is the small,
We’re exhibiting drawings from The Ben Osaghae Memorial Drawing workshop organised by The Guild of Fine Artists and Hourglass Gallery. The drawings are by Abiodun Olaku , Abraham Uyovbisere, Aimufia Osagie, Alex Nwokolo , Ben Ibebe, Bimbo Adenugba, Bunmi Babatunde, Diseye Tantua, Duke Asidere, Edosa Ogiugo, Fidelis Odogwu, Gbenga Offo, George Edozie, Gerry Nnubia, Joshua Nmesirionye, Juliet Ezenwa, Norbert Okpu, Olu Ajayi, Sam Ebohon, Tayo Quaye, Tola Wewe. Exhibition opens
We hoped it wouldn’t rain, but it turned out be one of those very rainy mornings. Maybe we should postpone till the next day, I thought. I called Duke Asidere. He was already on third Mainland Bridge. Postpone? He wasn’t having any of that. ‘We are holding the workshop even if the world is coming
On Monday and Tuesday, the 13th and 14th of September, members of the Guild of Fine Artists (GFA) came by the gallery for a 2-day freestyle drawing workshop to remember the wonderful Ben Osaghae – who was a member of the guild, a member of the Hourglass family in his lifetime and one of the best of
We hope you’re keeping safe. Unfortunately, we can’t have exhibitions at the gallery at the moment. But that doesn’t mean we can’t present interesting artworks to you. So, we’ll be sending you a series of themed show reels. The first, ‘No Distance’ is a look back at the time before social distancing using the artworks of
Erudite. Articulate. Ben Osaghae liked words. He could express himself clearly in writing and in speech. A rare combination for an artist, in my experience. A rare thing for most people, come to think of it. Most people I know are good at either talking or writing – rarely both. Ben was an exception that way.