In this special edition of iBAND Magazine Cover, we are delighted to feature an exclusive interview with the talented and versatile artist, Clara Nze Okhide. As an artist, teacher, and environmentalist, Clara has made a significant impact on the Nigerian art scene. Her passion for environmental conservation and her commitment to preserving Nigerian culture and tradition are evident in her artwork.

Ireho Aito, had the privilege of sitting down with Clara in Lagos to discuss her artistic journey, her inspirations, and her vision for the future of Nigerian art. In this insightful and engaging interview, Clara shares her thoughts on the importance of environmental conservation, the role of art in promoting cultural heritage, and her experiences as a woman in the art world. Most importantly, her new journey into curatorial practice with her curatorial debut on “Creative Tides exhibition” under the auspices of Art Alliance.

Clara Nze Okhide, a renowned artist, teacher, and environmentalist, has made a significant impact in the art world. Born in Benin City, Clara’s early life was steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city. Her sister, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce, a famous artist, introduced Clara to the charismatic painter, Sam Ovraiti, who became her mentor.
No one goes to sleep when you are under the mentorship of legendary and father figure Sam Ovraiti, excepts you are under a spell. There can only be one singing bird of visual arts in Africa and his name is Sam Ovraiti!

“When I gained admission to study at School of Art and Design, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, my older sister, Juliet, entrusted me into the hands of the charismatic painter,” Clara recalls. “He is my father,” she adds, emphasizing the significant influence Ovraiti had on her career. Ovraiti’s advice to Clara was simple, yet profound; “There are two ways to choose from in the school, concentrate on my studies and come out with my head high or I do the typical ‘bobo runs’ that is running after men and end up leaving in a shameful manner.”
Even, after graduation and her compulsory youth service scheme, Clara still joined Sam Ovraiti in his studio to hone her studio practice. “In fact, I had a room to myself at the Ovraitis. I am still a member of the family. What I learned from the master, definitely will feed me for a lifetime,” Clara reveals.
Clara chose to focus on her studies, and her hard work paid off. She became a member of the superclass of Auchi Klass of ’99, a group of talented artists who stole the heart of the visual arts community with their critically acclaimed reunion exhibition, “Constellation.” Clara was the only female among the 14 participating artists, a testament to her exceptional talent and leadership skills.

There are two ways to choose from in the school, concentrate on my studies and come out with my head high or I do the typical ‘bobo runs’

As one of the founders of Art Alliance 51, a creative movement, Clara has been instrumental in promoting Nigerian art both locally and internationally. In December 2024, the Art Alliance 51 Group organized “Creative Tides,” a captivating group exhibition that showcased the finest works of Nigerian visual artists.

The exhibition, curated by Clara, featured a diverse collection of sculptures, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces. The participating artists were selected through an open call, which required them to have at least five years of experience in the art world.

“We believe that for you to have practiced for five years, then you have that element of professionalism,” Clara explains. “You must have mastered your trade, technique, and motif. Within that five years, you must have participated in exhibitions and know what it entails coming together to show a body of work, your collections.”

The selected artists included Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce, Nosakhare Osadolor, Clara Aden, Asuku Musa, Uchenna Eugene, Ajayi Yetunde, and Akanni Kehinde, alongside Clara herself. Each artist brought their unique perspective and mastery to the exhibition, resulting in a rich and dynamic experience for art lovers.

The exhibition was held at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, and was officially opened on December 14, 2024. The event was well-attended by art enthusiasts, collectors, and stakeholders in the art community.

“The opening reception of Creative Tides was well done, blend perfectly and art enthusiasts were able to connect,” Clara says. “The strokes between the artists and audience was a masterstroke!” The exhibition was a resounding success, marking another significant milestone in the Art Alliance 51 Group’s mission to promote and develop the Nigerian art sector.
Clara’s frequent movements while growing up, travelling between Abuja, Benin City, and Auchi, due to her mother’s career postings and her own educational pursuits, exposed her to diverse environments and cultures, also, the attractive landscapes that the country is made of.
These experiences had a profound impact on her artistic style and themes, particularly her passion for environmental conservation.

“The strokes between the artists and audience was a masterstroke!”

As Clara travelled between these cities, she witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of environmental degradation on local communities. She saw the effects of pollution, deforestation, and climate change on Nigeria’s natural resources. These experiences sparked a sense of urgency in Clara, motivating her to use her art as a platform to advocate for environmental conservation.

Clara’s passion for environmental conservation is evident in her artwork. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for tree conservation and the preservation of Nigeria’s natural resources.

“Trees and their conservation became part of me many years ago,” Clara affirms. “I keep asking questions through my art. Painting about the Niger Delta degradation.”
“We need to take action to protect our environment,” Clara emphasizes. “We need to plant more trees, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices. If we don’t, we risk losing our natural resources, our culture, and our way of life.” Clara’s artwork is a celebration of Nigerian culture and tradition, as well as a call to action to protect the country’s environment.

keep asking questions through my art. Painting about the Niger Delta degradation.”

Her experience of visiting Sokoto State and seeing camels for the first time inspired a series of works that reflect the beauty and richness of Nigerian culture.

“It was my first time of seeing camels,” she recalls. “Sometimes, you think Nigeria is all about skyscrapers and big ocean views, until you get to some parts of this illustrious country and see other things that take you back in time.”

Clara’s artwork is a celebration of Nigerian culture and tradition. “The only viable market we have is our culture,” she emphasizes. “Nigerians travel to China and they do see their culture from their architecture, food, fashion and we celebrate them. We have ours in abundance. Culture is life, we must not let our culture vanish away.”

Through her artwork, Clara aims to preserve Nigerian culture and tradition for future generations. Her exceptional talent, leadership skills, and passion for environmental conservation make her a true ambassador of Nigerian art.

In addition to her artwork, Clara is also a dedicated teacher, teaching art in a formal school in Abuja. “I visited Ovuomaroro studios founded by Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya and met Ekpo Udo – Udoma, art writer and critique. After taking me round the mighty studio with a lot to document from, I found myself on another planet, appreciating the work of the enigmatic but renowned artist. I confided in Ekpo about my desire to be a University teacher. Ekpo Udo – Udoma, advised against it. Rather, he appealed for me to go to secondary school and teach. He narrated Bruce Onobrakpeya became phenomenal because of where he started from and he was able to rise above his peers. Ekpo explained, lecturing could be demanding and my output in studio practice may become little.”

lecturing could be demanding and my output in studio practice may become little.

Her skills are effective in curating pieces to make exhibitions, and her networking spirit and mentoring have made her a valuable asset to the art community.

The Creative Tides exhibition was an appreciation of Clara’s leadership skills and her ability to bring together talented artists to showcase their work. The exhibition was a success, and it marked a significant milestone in the Art Alliance 51 Group’s mission to promote and develop the Nigerian art sector.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/Photographs/Klaranze Nze Okhide