One Exhibition that Reshaped our He(arts) 3
A Wizard’s First Time in the City

Purpleeva Nigeria Limited, a publishing, artist and event management company, brought Edison Ekwueme into Lagos art bustling scene and it was a reminder of a wizard on artistic plane.

Seriously speaking, the images are full of a wizard’s touch. Expressive and defined in patterns to touch human emotions. Curiously viewing, the thought enveloped everyone to meet the acclaimed wizard behind these artistic feelings, displayed at the popular National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. With high notes, the 24th of May, 2014, Edison Ekwueme was a wizard with the art wand.

He is highly regarded as the man with a heart to share. Cerebral thinking hunky looking fellow. Edison has it, composure and gait to command his audience. He conquers easily and leads effortlessly. Then, one wonders, why is he not a poet? Maybe he would have done justice to it.

Purpleeva Nigeria Limited, opened “A Tip of the Iceberg” Edison Ekwueme’ first solo exhibtion in Lagos and curated by George Edozie.

After coming out of hibernation of so many years, despite graduating from one of the leading art schools in Nigeria, the prestigious University of Benin, Edo State and being a member of Class ’94, actually, there was never a dull moment for the visual thinker. Instead, Edison had enjoyed so much private commissions and patronage from art collectors while also participating in group exhibitions within and outside Nigeria.

The former ‘Mr UNIBEN’ worked from the ancient city of Benin that he calls his second home, but he is a native of Owerri. Beyond all these, the sculptor may have been in isolation for long, yet his artistic spirit is a colossus.

Edison’s background is groomed in business. Just like a typical Igbo stock person. They are into trade and commerce. “I am the odd one out here, but no regrets.”

His set of works were done in oil and impasto. Though originally trained as a sculptor, but his first solo experience were simply 23 original forms done over a course of three years, 2011- 2014 and entitled it ‘A Tip of the Iceberg.’ Reading through Nelson Edewor’s introduction, “this exhibition alludes a temperate regional oceanic aphorism which gives credence to a foretaste of abundant resources with a little of exposed at a time.” In the words of the curator, George Edozie, “Edison is not new in the game. He was my senior at the University and we all tapped from his wisdom and deep romance with art. His works define him, as you can see and feel the extreme creativity he unleashes on his collections. Edison is just a cool person, doing what he loves doing.

Commonly called ‘Mr Cave ‘ Edison is a winner all the time. ‘”A Tip of the Iceberg” is based on what I see, lives and feels. Benin City played a pivotal role in my artistic voyage. I got amoured by the tradition and the people that I couldn’t resist, even, their love and warmth. The city means so much to me and I always get influenced by their artistic trajectory.”

To be continued…

Words /Ireho Aito/ images /Google /Michael Sousou