Various elements come together in Ben Osaghae’s No Pain, No Gain 2, one of a series he created between 2012 and 2013. This body of work was a tribute to the hardworking people he observed around him — labourers, carpenters, builders — individuals engaged in manual work. Though the work was tough, Osaghae saw a dignity in their labour. Through this series, he celebrated the perseverance and resilience of those striving daily to feed themselves, support their families, and simply survive.
In No Pain, No Gain 2, several distinct elements are brought together: a man on the right side of the composition pushing a wheelbarrow, another figure lifting what appears to be a block, and various work implements scattered throughout. Though the arrangement of these elements might seem casual, Osaghae approached the composition with careful thought, balancing the components with a deliberate sense of order.
This sense of effortless spontaneity was typical of his style during this period — and, indeed, had been characteristic of his approach since his early career. Osaghae often rejected the notion of completeness, focusing instead on capturing the essence of his subjects as he experienced them.
By 2012, Osaghae was moving more decisively towards abstraction. His paintings became increasingly minimalist, relying on fewer elements and using symbols rather than full, detailed representations. He preferred to suggest rather than explain, inviting viewers to engage actively with the work, to participate in the process of understanding and interpreting the imagery.
Another notable shift during this period was his use of pale, often featureless backgrounds. By stripping away detailed settings, Osaghae directed full attention to the figures and objects, allowing the viewer to encounter them in isolation, free from distraction.
In No Pain, No Gain 2, as in several works from this phase, he also began experimenting with metallic colours like gold, adding a subtle luminosity to his paintings.
The result is a work that feels both active and subdued — a vivid yet restrained tribute to everyday resilience, told in a visual language that was unmistakably Osaghae’s.