Moses Ohiomokhare clocked 70 years old. What a flourishing career he has had over the years. Two distinct artists, painter and former death row inmate and no ti death penalty campaigner, Arthur Judah Angel and portrait photographer, late Richard Enesi, made sterling remarks of the power of the man popular known as Mr. Moses, Uncle.Moses or Oga Moses at pre-eminence gallery – Quintessence Gallery in Lagos inside Lifewire International Foundation’s office at Ojodu in 2015 in the presence of this writer
Writes Ireho Aito

It was one of those sunny days in Lagos and Lifewire International Foundation’s office was busy with the convener, Arthur Judah Angel, trying to publish an encore to his bestselling book, “I Refused To Die”. Others personalities in the conference room were yours truly, Budman, Iyabo and Richard Enesi now deceased. The preparation was in top gear and morale was very high, Arthur and Richard decided to take everyone down memory lane on how it all happened and they became established in various careers.

Arthur recalled, after leaving the prison where he had served 16 years, nine years on death row for a crime he never committed. Trying to manoeuvre his way ans life back into the society, the once popular but now defunct Bar Beach in Lagos became a place of succour for Arthur. Arthur is a self taught artist and this became prominent while he was on death row, most, especially in the notorious Enugu prison. His demonstrations using charcoal would later became destiny changer for Arthur, after a chanced meeting with Richard.

He recalled, “I used to draw daily at the beach and sell to people, especially lovers who besieged the beach in their droves daily. It was a significant moment for me. Richard was working for Chief Okonta, the founder of Nkem Gallery who gave me a card to visit Quintessence Gallery, then, situated at Falomo Ikoyi. Richard was able to help me do a catalogue of my works into a presentable folder, Arthur reminisced.” All this while, Richard was smiling and nodding his head while lamenting in – between the pathetic state of his two cameras that needs urgent attention.
Arthur continued down memory how he walked down to the cosmopolitan gallery and there, he set his eyes upon two of the world’s most important gallery owner and curator. The life changers!

Arriving at Quintessence Gallery, Arthur said he was jittery because of his past life in prison which looked like a shameful story never to be shared. “I took a long walk down to Falomo at Ikoyi where the gallery was situated then. And behold, I met the proprietor, Chief Mrs Aino Oni Okpaku and gallery manager, Mr. Moses.” Richard Enesi had to cut in, explaining that Arthur was nervous and started trying to de – market himself which made Mr. Moses affirmed that Arthur was hiding his personality. Mr. Moses is highly experienced. He saw something different in Arthur and became curious by starying at his lips,” Richard recounted.

“I was very naive in the begining because of my story behind bars. I started bringing out some of portraits works and landscapes when I left prison. Out of curiousity, Mr. Moses and Madam Aino wanted to know more, since Mr. Moses kept asking if I still have more in my collections. And he asked about if there is anything in my catalogue that I haven’t brought out. And Madam Aino, also was curious about the bag I dropped behind?”

Arthur Judah Angel had no choice but to open up that the bag afar off, contained his prison memoirs captured on charcoal. Mr. Moses and Madam Aino were astonished!
Both of them remain perplexed. So shocked that they gave Arthur a new beginning. “I saw the power of Mr. Moses at Quintessence. He was so influential to the team at the gallery. Highly organised and refused to barrack anyone, rather, instead, guide and guard you to a remarkable stardom.”

Quintessence Gallery saw the potentialities in Arthur Judah Angel and organised a remarkable exhibition entitled ‘The Gallows’ that same year for him, inviting the international media, community and enthusiasts.
Mr. Moses, in the words of Arthur Judah Angel is a unique blended sauce!

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/Pictures/Google/
Arthur Judah Angel archives.