In this edition of Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger! We visited Martins Aibangbe’s plain plate portrait technique that has put him on another global map. Martins journey to that height is characterised by constant reinvention and investment that paid off.

In fact, in the world of contemporary Nigerian art, Martins Aibangbe shines as a trailblazer. He is another distinguished product of School of Art and Industrial Design Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, a school often regarded as Nigeria’s “Cambridge” in visual arts, especially when Yabatech is likened to “Harvard”

Martins graduated in 1998, majoring in Sculpture. During our meeting in Ogun State, he graciously suggested we move the interview to his studio-office just across the street. That decision proved pivotal in uncovering the genius behind his art.

Art That Found the Artist

Martins is a man who lives and breathes creativity. “Art found me. I didn’t look for it,” he says with quiet confidence. “All my life, I never failed! Life is beautiful!” His journey into the world of visual art is not just one of talent but of discovery, experimentation, and an unshakable belief in his craft. According to him, one outstanding component of his personality is his defining resolute and courageous strength, matched by visionary exploration, which has set him apart among Nigeria’s finest. And this courageous nature of doing things differently to etch your name on sands of time has propelled Martins into a discovery that has yielded success and global appreciation. This technique is known as the Plain Plate Portrait Technique. This is originally Martins at his best.

Art found me. I didn’t look for it,

The Birth of a Revolution – Plain Plate Portrait (PPP)
This ground-breaking technique has defined Martins and positioned him in the creative space that never be undermined.
Incredibly innovative technique that is more than just a style. It’s an entire philosophy. He explains, “PPP represents a new way of creating portraits, combining technological inspiration with a multidimensional technique.” The style captivates audiences through dynamic spatial movement and an aesthetic that evokes genuine admiration.

PPP represents a new way of creating portraits, combining technological inspiration with a multidimensional technique.

The first client to recognise the magic was Rotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo State. Stunned by the realism and beauty of his own portrait rendered through the PPP technique, Akeredolu commissioned more from Martins. And before you know it, Martins supplied a portrait of Fela Kuti, then Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

When Yeni Kuti, Fela’s daughter, saw her father’s image brought to life in steel and space, she was dumbstruck. Today, the PPP portrait of Fela Kuti resides at his grave inside the Kalakuta residence in Ikeja, rotating gently and echoing his spirit.

Rotimi Akeredolu, deeply moved, continued ordering more portraits of iconic and inspirational humans such Africa’s first Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, his wife, and his parents. The demand was overwhelming.

Even the boss of Adron Homes and Properties was left in awe. He marvelled at the creativity when he commissioned Martins for a portrait. When it was delivered, in a hilarious moment, Adron boss was telling his team where the artwork should be placed. As he drove away, he kept calling, and eager to know if his PPP portrait had been mounted in the right spot.

Metal, Bolts, and Creative Resistance.

Before PPP, there were bolts and nuts literally. Martins explored the possibilities of using industrial metal components in his art. “I work on metals with all sorts of components. I started my experimentation series by dabbling into bolts and nuts. This brought out the steel in me,” he recounts.

I work on metals with all sorts of components. I started my experimentation series by dabbling into bolts and nuts. This brought out the steel in me

His metal art drew varied responses. When he showed one such piece to Engr. Yemisi Shyllon, a renowned collector of means, Martins confessed he tried to undervalued it. Not offended, Martins reached for his work to leave, only for Shyllon to bark, “If you touch that work!” He eventually paid full price, recognizing its worth and encouraging him not to relent.

Similar responses came from other patrons, including Signature Beyond Gallery in Ikoyi. “It was a reaction from an industry that is constantly searching for new ideas from artists,” Martins says.

An Encounter with Jess Castellote and Breaking the Norm

One pivotal influence on Martins Aibangbe was Jess Castellote, a Spanish architect who has lived in Nigeria since 1984. Known as an art collector, critic, and mentor, Castellote runs the respected blog “A View From My Corner” and presently a Director at Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art in Lagos.

Martins was introduced to him by a friend and one particular day, he took three metal sculptures to Jess, seeking his opinion and hopefully patronage. “He rubbished the work,” Martins admits. “Jess challenged me to be more creative about my ideas. He showed me some works that I cringed about, but I learned from Jess to break the norm if I really wanted to stand out. It was an incredible life’s lesson.”

Over time, Jess and his circle of patrons began placing orders from me. This became a turning point in Martins’ career. He reflects with pride, “I started nuts that they refer to as junk art in this country.” But what the skeptics called junk, Martins transformed into collectable marvels.

A Star Among the Stars

From bolts and nuts to a globally acclaimed portrait technique, Martins Aibangbe continues to redefine the boundaries of art. His journey is a powerful testament to innovation, resilience, and an unshakable belief in one’s inner calling. His is a story of courage, mentorship, and passion, one that speaks to every dreamer, every creative, and everyone seeking to leave a mark on the world.

In Martins’ words, “Life is beautiful.” And through his art, he makes it even more so.

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

Martins Aibangbe gallery