Okezie Okafor deserves his flowers. Mounting his five wood sculptures in the new and modern Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center for AFFECTIONART is a culture reawakening to be applauded. Words by Ireho Aito

When Nigerian highlife music legend, Bright Chimezie in his eponymous album on Cultural Reawakening in the 1980s waxed a soulful album agitating for Africa’s cultural elevation that shouldn’t die off. The world actually rebuffed his musical experience of traveling to Europe with his African milieu, sharing his Oddyssey, but the impact of his sojourn made him an ambassador of culture. Little did Bright Chimezie know that in 2010, another culture apostle but a wood sculptor, Okezie Okafor would sit and carve a 12 feet wood inspired renaissance on culture on display at Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center for AFFECTIONART in 2024.

His befitting cap matches his tall frame and gave him an attractive attention just like his five wood figures on display among the guests inside the beautiful and newly designed Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center in Ikoyi, Lagos. Okezie is a phenomenon. His expression are unfolded on wood.

Okezie Okafor, is a Nigerian bred sculptor of profound skill and vision, adds a dimension of tactile artistry to the AFFECTIONART exhibition at the Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center. His sculptures stand as testaments to the beauty and power of three-dimensional expression, inviting viewers to engage with art in a tangible and intimate way.

With masterful craftsmanship, Okezie Okafor sculpts forms that resonate with emotion and depth. On display are five of his hand carved wood, genuine storyline abound on each of the work on display. His figures exude a sense of grace and dignity, capturing the essence of the human experience in every curve and contour. Whether portraying moments of love, resilience, or introspection, his sculptures speak to the universal truths that connect us all. “ My works take longer time to produce. Sometimes, I maybe on a particular innovation for months.”

Through his works such as Affluence and Cultural Reawakening, Okezie Okafor explores themes of connection, empathy, and the inherent beauty of the human spirit. Each sculpture tells a story, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find meaning in the moments captured in wood. Whether through the delicate embrace of culture or the quiet strength of a solitary figure, Okafor’s sculptures evoke a profound sense of empathy and understanding. “Cultural Reawakening “ was done about 2010 and 2011. It took me eight months to produce. It is a complete work done on wood. Since the exhibition revolves around cultural renaissance, I felt my work on cultural reawakening is apt for the exhibition. Today, the world is going back to culture and embrace it for more to propel the future. It is evident in our music, film, technology and science. Entertainment aside, culture builds a nation. Economically, it empowers the people. Politically, it reawakes the citizens of any nation,” Okezie explains the idea behind his 12feet tall wood ensemble inside Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center gallery.

As a sculptor, Okezie Okafor embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication to his craft. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence shine through in every piece he creates. Each sculpture is a labour of love, a testament to his passion for art and his belief in its transformative power.

In the context of the AFFECTIONART exhibition, Okezie Okafor’s sculptures such as ‘Affluence’ serve as anchors, grounding the viewer in moments of contemplation and connection. His work invites us to see the world through new eyes, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to celebrate the human experience in all its complexity.

Through the artistry of Okezie Okafor, the AFFECTIONART exhibition at the Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center is elevated to new heights, offering viewers a profound and unforgettable experience of love, beauty, and the enduring power of sculpture.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!