Biography

Edosa Ogiugo is a Nigerian contemporary artist with stories to tell. Born into an artistic family, Edosa drew on any surface he could find as a child, and continued to grow into his purpose as a fine artist. His artistic accomplishments span education, advertising, and TV production; including roles as a secondary school art teacher, illustrator, creative director, lecturer, mentor, and community advocate. Edosa holds a Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts and Painting, and National Diploma in General Arts from Yaba College of Technology. He’s been a full-time studio artist since 1992 and owns practicing studios in Port Harcourt and Lagos, Nigeria.

Throughout Edosa’s 35+ year career, he’s participated in various group exhibitions, a solo show (1995, First Step), residency (London Fine Art Studio, Lavender Hill), and has numerous commissioned works housed in public, private and corporate collections across the globe.

Edosa is captivated by the free spirit and refined nature of movement. His subjects often center around women dancers of various Nigerian tribes, and horses. He likens these themes to Edgar Degas’ paintings of ballerinas and Claude Monet’s water lilies; noting how the subjects comprised much of their work.

A long-time arts community and education champion, Edosa was the Inaugural President of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists (Nigeria) from 2008-2012, and is a current member of the Fine Art Trade Guild (UK) and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). He actively mentors young Nigerian artists citing “it’s the only way to multiply values, give back organically, and yield your talents in ways not imagined!”

Artist statement

I am a visual conversationalist fascinated by human activities and movement. I draw my materials from dancers, markets and men on horseback – combining the rhythm of colours and brushstrokes with the organization of carefully assembled materials to help convey my message. I try to capture the essence by mentally belonging to the picture as if I were there so I can transfer that same energy onto canvas.