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
By 1987 Sam Ovraiti was an art lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi. He’d graduated from Auchi in 1983, and in 1985 returned there as a lecturer. He was gregarious, friendly, mischievous — the sort of person who found something nice to say to everyone regardless of their station.
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.
‘What do you think he asked?’ as he unfurled the canvases.
There were two fairly large canvases.
We would occasionally have these talks; whenever he was experimenting with something new. I guess he liked to get a different viewpoint.