Art Exhibition - kamba fine art

Art Exhibition
International Ebola Recovery Conference
9-10 July 2015 United Nations, New York
Supported by the permanent mission of the
Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations
Sponsored by:
FOREWORD
The International Ebola Recovery Conference in New York on July 9th and 10th
2015 aims to provide a platform for discussion regarding Ebola affected countries,
giving a forum to share recovery plans and resource needs for
the upcoming year.
By invitation of the permanent mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Kamba
Fine Art gallery supports the event by showing a series of unique art pieces
created as a reaction to the Ebola crisis. These artworks have been produced by
prominent African artists. Proceeds of the sales of the works will be donated to
Ebola focused charities in Africa to help those affected by the Ebola crisis.
Participating artists are generously donating one of their artworks to areas
that have been affected by the Ebola outbreak. These pieces will be placed on
permanent exhibition in hospitals, schools, museums and national parks.
The artworks will be exhibited in both New York and London and then auctioned
to raise money for the following two Ebola crisis focused charities:
EXCEL Sierra Leone
Founded in 2007, EXCEL Sierra Leone (Educational Excellence, Community,
Empowerment and Leadership) brings together some of the most promising
young people in Sierra Leone to participate in education activities, programs and
support services.
Street Child
Street Child is a UK charity, established in 2008, that aims to create educational
opportunity for some of the most vulnerable children in
West Africa.
cover:
Sam Ebohon
Call to Humanity
see page: 17
©Kamba Fine Art 2015, all rights reserved.
Design by elarodesign, London UK
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participating Artists
Kamba Fine Art was established by Leyla Simple in 2011. Leyla is originally from
Kenya and travels extensively in Africa, searching for promising new talent and
provides the artists she discovers with a platform to exhibit their work at different
venues and art fairs around the world.
Located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, Kamba Fine Art exhibits the finest
contemporary African photography, paintings, sculpture and limited edition prints,
and runs an innovative programme of exhibitions in London and around the globe.
The artists Kamba Fine Art works with are creating valuable documentationsof
the social, political and cultural changes taking place in contemporary Africa.
This ethos made the decision of creating an exhibition that revolved around the
feelings and reactions of African artists to the Ebola crisis a very natural and
important one.
Kamba Fine Art director
Leyla Simple
In regards to the upcoming event Kamba Fine Art founder Leyla Simple: “We are
delighted to participate in raising awareness for such an important cause that is so
close to my own heart. These high profile events remind the world that although the
Ebola crisis may now have been contained, the effects of this tragic event are still
very much part of peoples everyday lives in the affected areas of Africa.
Acknowledgements
Kamba Fine Art is grateful to have been given this opportunity by the
High Commission of Sierra Leone with special thanks to the President of Sierra
Leone Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, HE Ambassador Henry Macauley and Counsellor
Saidu Nallo.
Kamba Fine Art identifies with the objectives of the Ebola recovery conference
and hopes to help raise awareness of this awful tragedy and help those who are
still dealing with its effects.
Kofi Allen
Duke Asidere
page
6
8
Bunmi Babatunde 10
Gibril Bangura
12
Joseph Bertiers
14
Sam Ebohon
16
Hamid Ibrahim
18
Patrick Mulondo
20
Joshua Nmesirionye 22
Gerry Nnubia
24
Emeka Nwagbara
26
Fidelis Eze Odogwu
28
Damilola Odusote
30
Emmanuel Okoro
34
Olufemi Oyewole
36
Francis Uduh
38
This Catalogue is a testament to the generosity of time and creative energy the
artists involved have given to make this project work. As well as producing work
and donating part of the sales of their work to the Ebola charities, each artist has
also donated a work to be permanently exhibited in areas around Sierra Leone one
of the countries most affected by the Ebola crisis. These artworks will be placed
in public spaces as a reminder to keep the memory of those that have died due
to Ebola alive as well as recognise the bravery and hard work of people who have
helped to stop the spread of Ebola.
We would like to thank everybody for all their hard work, efforts and immensely
generous contributions which have combined to make this great event materialise
as a chapter of new beginning.
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Kofi allen
Kofi Allen is an artist, photographer and cultural investigator. Born
in Jamaica in the 60s but brought up in the UK much of his work is concerned
with the Jamaican and black experience in modern London. Kofi alongside his own
personal projects has exhibited internationally and his work is held in the permanent
London collections of the Hayward Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.
Themes of spirituality and discovery run through Kofi’s work which is a direct
reflection of the experiences and interests of the man. Kofi is an energetic,
cultural explorer who is continually questioning his surroundings. A keen interest
in the past and development of civilisations informs rather than opposes his
documentation and interpretation of modern society.
lot 2
Ebola for Sale
2015
Original print
33 x 46.5 in
84 x 118 cm
estimate
£7,000
lot 3
Witness
lot 1
Butterfly Defect
2015 Original print 33 x 46.5 in 84 x 118 cm
donation
6
2015
Original print
33 x 46.5 in
84 x 118 cm
estimate
£10,000
7
Duke Asidere
Duke Asidere is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary
artists with a keen following internationally and in his native Nigeria. He was born
in 1961. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with first class honours in Fine Arts
(painting) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1988 as well as a Masters of
Fine Arts in painting in 1990 from the same university. He was mentored by Gani
Odutokun, who had a profound impact on him and his
artistic expression.
Asidere expresses himself boldly through a wide variety of genre including
pencil work, oil, acrylic, pastels and transparencies. His architectural series
are a fresh perspective of Africa and his number plate and spray series have
underlining political statements. Asidere has participated in and facilitated
numerous international and local workshops on painting and drawing, including
Colour Masters (Auchi Polytechnic March 2011) and in a number of the annual
Harmattan Workshop Series.
lot 5
Friends
Asidere has held 12 solo exhibitions and has been showcased in 43 joint exhibitions
in Nigeria and Europe. His works are sought after by art collectors and are currently
being exhibited in London, Dubai and Paris. He is a member of the Society of
Nigerian Artists and the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria, (GFA).
2015
Oil on canvas
36 x 36 in
91 x 91 cm
estimate £4,000
lot 6
lot 4
8
Blue Goes Wild
Searching –
Life is a Search
2015
2015
Oil on canvas
Oil on canvas
36 x 36 in
91 x 91 cm
36 x 36 in
91 x 91 cm
estimate £4,000
donation
9
BUNMI BABATUNDE
BUNMI BABATUNDE is a native of Ile-Ife, Osun State ,
Nigeria, Bunmi Babatunde was born on March 1st, 1957. He studied in the Yaba
College of Technology where he was awarded the National Diploma in General
Art and Higher National Diploma in Sculpture in 1981 and 1983 respectively.
Immediately after his youth service at the Department of Culture, National
Theatre in 1983, he assumed full-time professional practice at the then National
Studios of the National Gallery of Art, National Theatre, and he has remained in
active studio practice for 27 years.
lot 7
Survivor’s Rhapsody I
1989
Cold cast
22 x 24 in
56 x 61 cm
estimate £4,500
In 2003, he was one of 65 leaders selected from 35 developing countries all
over the world for Advanced Leadership Training Course of the Haggai Institute
in Singapore. Having participated in over 25 exhibitions at home and abroad,
Babatunde has produced works for both public and private consumption.
Babatunde’s professional stature received a boost when he was invited by the
Nanjing Normal University, China as a guest lecturer in December 2007. Bunmi
has executed several projects for the Lagos State Government. Presently, he is the
Chairman, Universal Studios of Art, National Theatre; a group of 12 very vibrant,
time tested professional Painters and Sculptors. He is currently a consultant to
Terra-Kulture, a respected organisation on Visual Art and gallery matters.
lot 8
Survivor’s Rhapsody II
1999
Cold cast
Height 17 in Height 43 cm
donation
10
11
Gibril Bangura
Gibril Bangura is a painter from Sierra Leone and has been
living in Winnipeg for the past year. His first exhibition was at the UNESCO
headquarters in Paris France at age 19. He has since exhibited in Embassies
in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and more recently at The Edge Gallery, Frame Arts
Warehouse, IRCOM in Winnipeg. He has been a full time artist for the last 26 years.
Gibril fled from Sierra Leone to Guinea in 1998 due to political persecution.
The persecution came due to his paintings which exposed the underbelly of
government powers. He lived in Guinea as a political refugee until he was rescued
by the Canadian Government in February 2014.
From the age of seven Gibril lived on the streets of Free Town. It was during
these years that he found solace and inspiration in his imagination. He loved to
draw on the beaches with a sharpened stick creating a whole new world. Gibril
was compelled to share his gift of art and as an adult he reached out to the less
fortunate youth and women. He opened his home teaching art, batik and tie dye,
as well as being a motivational speaker in prisons. Now, in Winnipeg Gibril hopes
to one day open up a center in the inner city, to help young people get away from
gangs and street life.
Gibril has a studio at Fame Arts Warehouse where he paints every day to bring
you this collection of “Happy Paintings”. He also volunteers his time as an
interpreter at Museum of Man and Nature.
lot 9
Brighter Future
Acrylic and
Collage
12
lot 10
Fruit of Life
54 x 72 in
Acrylic 48 x 47.3 in
estimate £3,500
estimate £3,500
13
Joseph Bertiers
Joseph Bertiers is one of the most prominent
African artists his work is concerned with social, political and economic
issues in Kenya and abroad. His detailed paintings and life-sized
sculptures are characterised by a sharp wit and humour. The works are
saturated with characters and activity.
He was selected to participate in Dak’Art. In 2011, Bertiers had a solo
show at Fred Gallery, with his work travelling, in turn, to the 2011 Basel
Art Fair and the 2012 Johannesburg Art Fair.
14
lot 48
lot 49
Joy Ride For Ebola Free Couple
Ebola Ward no 3
2015
2015
Mixed media
Oil on canvas
15 x 11 in 40 cm x 30 cm
68 x 35 in
estimate £600
estimate £3,300
15
Sam Ebohon
Sam Ebohon is from Edo state but was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He
graduated from the Yaba collage of technology in 1990 with a HND in painting. He
started his painting career immediately after leaving school without going through
the norm of working for pay in an establishment. His works are characterised by
criss-cross linear strokes which tend to abstract his paintings and an intense and
bold colour palate.
He has won numerous awards in Nigeria and abroad including his most recent,
a first prize in the 2009 edition of the Caterina de Medici painting award and
competition which took place in Florence, Italy. This makes him the number one
in the world in that category. He has participated in numerous exhibitions around
the world and has been well received by the media.
Ebohon is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists [SNA] and the prestigious
Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria [GPFAN].
lot 11
Call to Humanity
2015
Oil on canvas
33.5 x 41 in 85 x 104 cm
estimate £3,800
lot 13
Orphaned
2015
Oil on canvas
46 x 37.5 in
116 x 95 cm
lot 12
estimate £2,500
Help is Here
2015
Oil on canvas 24 x 59.5 in 60 x 151 cm
estimate £2,500
16
17
Hamid Ibrahim
Hamid Ibrahim was born on July 16, 1963. He trained as
an artist in Yaba College of Technology where he received an HND in Painting in
1990 alongside multiple awards and a degree in Art Education. He has had
a series of remarkable exhibitions, including 4 solo shows and 29 group shows,
both at home and abroad.
The current focus of his painting expresses and explores the essence of the
subject reducing the essentials to elementary shape, line and forms suggesting
or symbolizing ideas, capturing the essence.
He is currently the vice president of the Guild of Professional Fine Artist of
Nigeria and a founding member (GFA).
lot 18
I Am Faceless
2015
Oil on canvas
48 x 34 in
122 x 86.5 cm
estimate £1,900
lot 17
Hope
2015
Oil on canvas
28 x 25 in
71 x 63.5 cm
lot 19
estimate £1,800
Untitled
2015
Oil on canvas
36 x 36 in
91 x 91 cm
estimate £1,500
18
19
Patrick Mulondo
Patrick Mulondo was born in 1989 in Uganda and
lot 20
Broken Dreams (IV)
graduated from Makerere University, where he majored in sculpture modelling
and carving, and jewellery making. He is currently developing concepts for the
commemoration of the 20-year civil war in Northern Uganda, which ended in
2006. The Lord Resistance Army (LRA), a paramilitary group led by Joseph Kony,
had committed atrocious crimes in the region. With sculptural means, Mulondo
wants to explore the tragic effects of the war on the communities in the Gulu
region, and show how they are rebuilding their lives.
Welded metal
8.5 x 14 x 21 in
21 x 36 x 53 cm
estimate £1,000
Mulondo has been part of group exhibitions at various galleries in Uganda in
Kenya. In 2014 he has had successful solo exhibitions at the American Embassy in
Kampala, Uganda, in Diani Beach, Kenya. He is the only Ugandan artist chosen to
be in the Kenya Artist Diary for 2015.
lot 23
lot 21
Rebuilding Identity
Welded metal
12.5 x 12.5 x 30.5 in
32 x 32 x 77 cm
estimate £2,300
20
Untold Stories III
lot 22
Silent War Victims
Welded metal
Welded metal 18 x 10.5 x 35 in 46 x 26 x 88 cm
42.5 x 48 in
108 x 122 cm
estimate £2,000
estimate £2,500
21
Joshua Nmesirionye
Joshua Nmesirionye is a multifaceted artist, born April
21, 1968. He obtained a National Diploma (General Art) and a Higher National
Diploma (HND) in 1996 and 1998 respectively, from the Federal Polytechnic
Auchi, Edo State. He draws inspiration from people, the environment and
imagination. He has been involved in exploring textured surface with special
interest in the physicality of paints geared towards bridging representational art
with contemporary sensibilities. Recent exhibitions have included “Colours of
Hope” Lagos 2014, “The Lost Pictures” Show in Los Angeles “Galerie Vendome”
Paris and Terrakulture, Lagos 2011.
Joshua is a full time studio artist at the Universal Studios of Art and a member of
Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) and Guild of Professional Fine Artists, Nigeria.
lot 25
Simply Complicated
2015
Oil on canvas
30 x 40 in
76 x 102 cm
estimate £3,000
lot 24
Harbinger I
2015
Oil on canvas
41 x 36 in
104 x 91 cm
estimate £2,500
22
lot 26
Harbinger II
2015
Oil on canvas
41 x 36 in 104 x 91 cm
donation
23
Gerry Nnubia
Gerry Nnubia was born in Enugu, Nigeria in 1966. He graduated
from Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu in 1988 with a HND in Fine
Art. He taught briefly at Auchi Polytechnic between 1988/1999.
A largely experimental artist, Nnubia is renowned for his near total disregard for
generally accepted conventions and techniques of practice which has given birth
to so many styles he manifests. A 10 year period of hibernation resulted in the
discovery of ‘Acrylic Flow’ which involves the skilful manipulation of his medium
to a liquid viscous flow often assimilating accidental occurrences and temperature
adjustments, depending on the effect sought. Here the artist offers critical
possibilities for painting and explores the tension between form and formlessness
crucial to the tenets of modernism.
Gerry Nnubia has exhibited extensively at home and abroad.
lot 29
Against All Odds (Survive and
Blossom)
2015
Acrylic on canvas
42 x 48 in 107 x 122 cm
lot 27
estimate £3,500
Rejected and Cremated
2005
Acrylic on canvas
29 x 46 in 74 x 117 cm
estimate £3,300
lot 30
lot 28
Against All odds (Triumph)
2015
Acrylic on canvas
24
A World Adrift (Sorrow Tears and Blood)
2011
Acrylic on canvas
39.5 x 39.5 in 100 x 100 cm
32 x 33 in
81 x 84 cm
donation
estimate £3,000
25
Emeka Nwagbara
Emeka Nwagbara was born in 1969. His professional
career took off in 2005 when he gave up paid employment as a Business
Development Manager to pursue his long time aspiration as an artist. Mostly self
taught, his Art was given a boost during his contact and atelier, studio practice
under the guidance of Edosa Ogiugo, Abiodun Olaku and the Universal Studios of
Art where he still practices as a Professional Artist .
He has been involved in many group exhibitions and most recently in the Terra
Kulture /Mydrim Gallery 2015, auction. Emeka has also been engaged in some
high profile art projects/commissions which include Portrait Commissions
of some State Governors and Bank Chief Executives, Art Projects with State
Governments and Corporate Clientele but not limited to the following – Ondo
State Government, Lagos State Government, Osun State Government, UNICEF,
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
lot 32
Never Again
2015
Oil on canvas
40 x 40 in
102 x 102 cm
estimate £2,300
lot 31
Together We
Overcome
2015
Oil on canvas
40 x 50 in
102 x 127 cm
estimate £1,500
lot 33
All in Our Hands
2015
Oil on canvas
40 x 40 in
102 x 102 cm
donation
26
27
Fidelis Eze Odogwu
Fidelis Eze Odogwu is a prolific artist whose knowledge
of metal twisting and fabrication has earned him a household name “ The Prince
of Metal “ Some are of the opinion that he is now “ The King of Metal” Born in
Agbor, Delta State on the 17th day of November 1970, having completed his
Higher education in the famous school of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic,
Edo State in 1991 which bagged him an award of a Higher National Diploma
(HND) in Sculpture.
He worked with renowned Nigerian Master Sculptor, Ben Osawe, between 1988
and 1989, as part of his studio experience. Odogwu’s inborn ability to transform
metal and make it look like paper has singled him out as a favourite of numerous
Art Collectors world wide.
Odogwu has also participated in numerous group and joint exhibitions including
‘Transcending Boundaries’ Cork Street, London in 2013 and 2014; ‘Art Expo New
York’ in 2010; African Now, Bonhams Auction, London 2012 and 2013; ArtHouse
Auction, Lagos, 2008. He has also participated in exhibitions in Nigeria and the
UK; and been part of the Black History month, Los Angeles 2014.
lot 35
The Volunteer
2015
Welded metal
He was third prize winner at the Nigerian Breweries Limited (NBL)/African
Artists Foundation Art competition, 2010 and also had a certificate of merit
from Guinness Nigeria PLC Art exhibition, Lagos in 2004.
Height 47 in 119 cm
estimate £4,000
lot 34
21 Days After
2015
Welded metal
36 x 48 in
91 x 122 cm
donation
lot 36
Unsung Heroes
2015
Welded metal
Height 70 in 178 cm
estimate £5,000
28
29
Damilola Odusote
Damilola Odusote is known for his eclectic, intricate
illustrative work and abstract paintings. Raised just outside of London, He
graduated from Camberwell College of Arts with a BA Hons in illustration.
Damilola draws from numerous forms of expression, to expand his creative
repertoire. In particular, he found that dance choreography mirrored his
illustrations, both requiring the same degree of intricacy and narrative.
Damilola’s illustrations are organic and grow on the surface as he produces them.
He is influenced by the likes of MC Escher and David Shrigley for the detail and
humour in their deep thought provoking drawings. His work has been exhibited
extensively at art fairs in London, Singapore, and Munich. His global appeal extends
to China, U.S., UAE, Norway, South Africa, and Hawaii, amongst others. He has
produced artwork and acted as a creative consultant/ director for many clients
including Converse, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Made.com and Next PLC to name a few.
lot 39
Next Step Reveal
2015
Mixed media, acrylics on
canvas, hand stitched
string, ink
19.5 x 27.5 in
50 x 70 cm
estimate £1,500
lot 41
Corner Chaos
2015 Mixed media 10 x 10 in 25 x 25 cm
DONATION
lot 37
Out of the Blue
2015 Acrylic on canvas 19.5 x 39.5 in 50 x 100 cm
estimate £3,500
lot 40
Hint of Happiness
2015 Mixed media, paper, ink, hand stiched string
10 x 10 in 25 x 25 cm
estimate £500
30
31
Damilola Odusote
lot 38
Protector
2015
Acrylic on canvas
19.5 x 39.5 in 50 x 100 cm
estimate £2,500
32
33
Emmanuel Okoro
Emmanuel Okoro is a London-based sculptor originating from the Delta
Region of Nigeria. His interest in storytelling and themes of tribal ancestry, humanity, legacy and
immortality are consistent threads that weave their way through his practise and continue to
inspire the evolution of his narrative. His work is reminiscent of pieces by Giacometti and African
contemporaries such as Ndary Lo. Elongated and simplified Okoro’s enigmatic sculptures have a
feeling of lightness and a deficience of gravity.
Okoro pares down to reveal the essence of a state of being, oneness and relationship or of a moment;
whether dancing, expectant, or restful. With his sculptures Okoro simplifies the forms to achieve clear
lines, smooth and organic textured surfaces, while playing with the scale and proportion of specific
features within figurative sculptures. As an artist he has been exercising and honing his skill for the
past twenty years. His versatility and passion is reflected in his pieces, available in a variety of multicoated, earthy elements.
lot 42
Vessel
Bronze resin
Height 43.5 in 110 cm
estimate £5,000
lot 44
Promises
Bronze resin
Height 91 in 230 cm
estimate £12,000
lot 43
Whisper
Bronze resin
Height 20 in 50 cm
estimate £3,000
34
35
Olufemi Oyewole
Olufemi Oyewole is a young and astute painter
developing a strong reputation within and outside his homeland, Nigeria. He
studied Fine and Applied Arts at the Federal College of Education, Technical,
Akoka, Lagos, where he majored in painting, and graduated in 2006 with
distinction and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, 2012.
Soon after graduating from Federal College, Olufemi discovered the works of
Abiodun Olaku, a master artist who had a positive influence on him. He has
participated in several group exhibitions both nationally and internationally.
Currently, Olufemi works at the Universal Studios of Art as a full-time studio
artist. He is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists and Plien Air Society
of Nigeria.
lot 47
When Crisis Call
2015
Oil on canvas
36 x 42 in
91 x 107 cm
estimate £1,200
lot 45
Searching For Hope
2015
lot 46
Oil on canvas
Searching For Hope II
24 x 24 in
61 x 61 cm
2015
estimate £900
Oil on canvas
24 x 24 in
61 x 61 cm
estimate £900
36
37
Francis Uduh
Francis Uduh practice road map has taken him from his
comprehensive training at the prestigious art institutions of Federal Polytechnic
Auchi, Edo State and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos to the execution of
private and prominent public commissions.
Several of his sculptures have been acquired through the conduits of international
auction houses. On analysis, his perspective of art making, is focused on
authenticity, and interpretation of his immediate physical and metaphysical
environs, into highly challenging sculptures of natural and abstract forms.
Traditional influences, twinned with innovative application are certainly key
factors present in Uduh’s work, whose materials range from wood, to bronze, to
fibre glass.
A furtherance of this language is Uduh’s de-construction of the physical form
to its barest essentials. Uduh has participated in so many art exhibitions and
auctions locally and internationally.
38
lot 14
lot 16
lot 15
S.O.S I
Solace
S.O.S II
2012
2015
2012
Cold cast, fibreglass
Mixed media
Cold cast, fibreglass
Height 29 in 74 cm
Height 65 in 165 cm
Height 20 in 51 cm
donation
estimate £3,800
estimate £1,800
39
Please note: reserve estimates correct at time of publication
For more information visit: www.kambafineart.com
Gallery 126 – Grays Centre
58 Davies Street
Mayfair
London w1k 5ab
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)7798 533 066
Email: mails@kambafineart.com