Jewels of Nomadic Images
Publisher: Ovuomaroro Gallery Production
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Lagos , Nigeria
Language: eng
Format: softcover
Number of pages: 196
Description: This book was originally planned as a catalogue accompanying an exhibition of a selection of artworks titled Jewels of Nomadic Images, created by the artist Bruce Onobrakpeya over a period of three decades (1978 – 2008) The pictures in the book are called Jewels not only because many of them are wearable, but also, they are attempts to capture life’s essence. They are further described as nomadic images as several of the artworks shown in the book, have gone through some kind of metamorphosis before attaining their present state. The artist takes advantage of the dynamic technique of printmaking and experimentation, to manipulate the same motif or idea to produce different design effects. Tiny line engravings have been developed and transformed into low relief sculptures called plastocasts and in some cases enlarged into bigger reliefs or paintings, and vice versa. It is this process of transformation, or migration of a design from one artistic medium, size or combination, to another, that is described as nomadic images, from which the book also gets it’s title. Features of the jewels of the nomadic Images are the aesthetic effect, various art pieces have especially when they are grouped or shown as installations. These images are at the same time, historical, cultural and innovative. The very essence of the jewels and images in the book, have been captured, in the opening chapters in essays by, Olu Amoda, the exhibition’s curator, Peju Layiwola and Ekpo Udo Udoma. Their essays give insights into a better understanding and appreciation of the works featured in the book, which is also richly and vividly illustrated with over 435 pictures, most of which are in colour. The book also gives opportunity, for the artist to explain the thoughts behind several designs, which have been profusely displayed in panels or used individually as jewelries. The final chapters, focus on a host of imaginary images, appearing singly or in groups, which were a dance series initially inspired by the novel “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts” written by Amos Tutola. A lot of the names given to the pictures speak volumes of the creator of the artworks, Urhobo-centric worldview. Atasa is the Urhobo name given for instance, to narrations of experiences, or the proclamation of ideas. Some of these concepts have been treated successfully by the artist, as figures which have been displayed or paraded in horizontal formats to reflect Urhobo calligraphy called Ibiebe. There are also pictures which show tunics made of sack cloth and leather, over which pendants and other objects are suspended. The Jewels of Nomadic Images narrates a compelling story, mostly through its richly illustrated pictures, of the immensely fertile artistic landscape of Africa, as seen through the eyes of award winning artist Bruce Onobrakpeya. He seems to be affirming too, that Africa has emerged from its colonial past, and is once again asserting its own identity.
Table of contents: title: 1 Three Essays; title: 2 Jewelry; title: 3 Nomadic Masquerades (Installations); title: 4 Millennium Masks; title: 5 Dance to Enchanting Songs; title: 6 Atasa (Narrating Experiences); title: 7 Tunics of Nomadic Images