Isaac Emokpae
Isaac Emokpae (born Isaac Iken Ismahil Ọláminíyì Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae on November 5, 1977) is a Nigerian visual artist, painter, and photographer. His work is defined by duality and is known for its expressionist and surrealist features.
Isaac Emokpae | |
---|---|
Born | Isaac Iken Ismahil Ọláminíyì Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae November 5, 1977 Lagos, Nigeria |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Other names | Iken Erhabor-Emokpae, Isaac Erhabor Emokpae, Iken Emokpae |
Alma mater | University of Lagos |
Occupation | Photographer, painter, visual artist |
Parent(s) | Erhabor Emokpae |
Biography and work
Emokpae has a BA in Creative Arts at the University of Lagos (2005), studying under the guidance of Professor Abayomi Barber but made his mark in the Nigerian creative scene first, most notably, as a photographer.[1][2][3] He workedfor a while in fashion photography and journalistic photography, making a significant mark in the field to have been once regarded as a "veteran".[4] His photographs have been used in Forbes magazine[5] among other places.
His paintings and visual art are peculiar in their focus on duality and their root the style of Abstract Expressionism. His work have been exhibited in Nigeria[6] and around the world.
Emokpae is the third son of Erhabor Emokpae, notable Nigerian painter and sculptor popularly regarded as one of the pioneers of modern arts in Nigeria.[7][8][9] Like his father, Emokpae strongly "combines his poetic depth with artistic flair"[10]
He is said to be inspired by the philosophies of Leibniz, Descartes and Santayana.[2]
Selected exhibitions
- Transparent - Rele Art Gallery, Onikan, Lagos. (2017)[11]
- Strip - Rele Art Gallery, Onikan, Lagos (2015)[12]
- Duality - The Wheat Baker, Ikoyi, Lagos (2014)[13][2]
- Reconstruction in Reverse - Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos (2010).
- Genesis (Solo exhibition), Terra Kulture, VI, Lagos (2005)
- Signs of the Times, Didi Museum, Lagos – (2000), Salon Event, Bungalow, VI, Lagos (2004)
- Abayomi Barber Honorary Exhibition (Group Exhibition) at Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Nigeria. (2002)
- CCIC VI Artists (Group Exhibition) at Didi Museum, Lagos, Nigeria. (2000)
- Exchange of Our Treasures (Group Exhibition) at UNESCO, Troyes, France. (1996/97)
- Peace on Earth/Save our Earth (Group Exhibition) at Lions Group, Ilorin, Nigeria. (1990)
Awards
- 2007 – Hasselblad Masters, Semi-finalist.
- 1996 – UNESCO Exchange Our Treasures Art Competition.[14]
References
- Africanartswithtaj (May 3, 2014). "African Arts with Taj: How Duality strokes of Emokpae see two sides of nature". African Arts with Taj. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- Oyewole, Nurudeen (April 13, 2014). "Emokpae stages first solo exhibition in grand style". Daily Trust.
- Shuaib, Gidado (April 2, 2017). "Stop dreaming of jobs that are not there, Artist advise youths' — Youths Digest". Youths Digest. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Ade Plumptre, Body Lawson & Isaac Emokpae – Click to see line-up on Rubbin' Minds today » YNaija". YNaija. April 2, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- Eytan, Declan. "Nigeria's Leading Doll Brand is Coming to America". Forbes. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "2017 art year: The rundown continues". Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "Nigeria: Iken Erhabor-Emokpae – A Chip Off the Block". This Day (Lagos). March 7, 2005. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "Erhabor-Emokpae… A Quintessential Artist : Nigerian Latest News Papers News Online". www.nigerianbestforum.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "PressReader.com – Connecting People Through News". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "Like father, like son – The Nation Nigeria". The Nation Nigeria. April 9, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "RELE OPENS TRANSPARENT BY ISAAC EMOKPAE – Olori Supergal". Olori Supergal. November 2, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- "Review Of Strip In the Sunday Guardian". WanaWana. June 3, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- Enwonwu, Oliver. "Isaac Emokpae: Duality – Omenka Online". www.omenkaonline.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- Unigwe, Chidinma (January 2, 2017). "5 Artists That Are Holding Africa's Art Industry To Sway And Should Be Looked Out For In 2017 [PHOTOS] » Thesheet.ng". Thesheet.ng. Retrieved February 8, 2018.