‘Nigerian artworks have come of age’

Nduka Omeife was born to the family of H.O. Omeife a retired brewer and late Monica Omeife a retired cook with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.  Nduka hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.  From a humble background, a hardworking and dedicated young man; who is never afraid of daring to do the seemingly impossible. His love for creative art has been an integral part of his life from childhood. “When I was in primary two, my mother woke me up at night and asked what I would like to become. She mentioned the trades trending as at that time. I told her I would like to be an artist. And since then I got all the full support from her and my father. As a matter of fact, my mother was my first pose model.”

Tijani Aigbokhena was one of the people who inspired Nduka to become the best fine art student during his days in primary and secondary school.

Nduka’s early knowledge in fine art, earned him a job opportunity at Time Press, the commercial printing department of the Daily Times of Nigeria Limited in Apapa, Lagos.

Nduka won the Nigerian Breweries scholarship awards to study fine and applied art at the University of Benin, Edo State.  He graduated with first class honours majoring in graphics design.

Over the years, Nduka has been consulting for banks and corporate bodies on brand identity, style guide and corporate designs.

I meet Nduka at the Lagos Business School (LBS), School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos in 2009.  We both went through training in Creative Design and Digital Communication, (CDDC 5).  He was the president of the class as at then.  Apart from being alumna of LBS, he is also a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists.

Nduka is a graphics designer; his knack for water colour painting is amazing.  Aside being a graphic artist and water colourist, his zeal for learning and breaking new grounds pushed him to master other skills.

“Sometimes ago, I read a book that said, the human mind can do four billion things at the same time. That motivated me to master other skills like photography, printing, printmaking, shoe making, yoghurt making, frame production, etc. The human mind can do a lot when stretched,” he said.

Working in the financial institution has been his greatest experience.  Working in the midst of professionals, accountants and much more, has been able to open his eyes to lots of detailing and zero tolerance to error.  “Working to satisfy a lot of management cadets and line managers can be daunting. There is no free-for-all-dressing and behaviours usually associated with the artists. You have to think as a banker too,” he explained.

Nduka discovered and mastered water colour art in his secondary school days through the help of Tunde Aweniya, his class teacher.  “Water colour is a medium I have grown to love and cherish. Depending on my mood and the mood I want people to see on the painting.  I employed almost all the techniques of water colour; wash, wet on wet, glazing, dry brush and drop in colour effect. With this medium, you keep discovering, keep learning new things from papers, media and pigments.

“On my way to and from work, anywhere I go or travel, I see hardworking people, the lazy ones, and those merchandising. I always want to document all I see by capturing them in my paintings. I want my paintings to showcase what I see, what I want  you  to see and feel with me, what I felt when I  saw them. I use mostly earth tones in my paintings. And my paintings are realistic,” he noted.

Nduka first registered his artwork in an exhibition organised by Society of Nigeria Artist in 2013, at Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, an exhibition that attracted several indigenous artists across the country.  He is currently putting his work together for future exhibition.

For Nduka; Nigeria is blessed with dynamic artists both home and abroad. They range from graphic designers, painters to sculptures and more and their artworks are priced very high in the international market.

With the dwindling oil price in the international market, Nduka calls on the government to shift focus by investing in the art industry. “Take the case of Ben Enweonwu’s sculpture, ‘Anyanwu’ that sold for a whooping £74,500 and his ‘Africa Dances’ painting for £68,500 at the Bonhams, London. Nigerian artworks have come of age and it is time for the government to tap into this worthwhile venture.”

To boost and enhance art literacy in Nigeria, Nduka calls on government and private organisation to sponsor art competitions in schools of lower and higher learning, sponsor and equip the art teachers and lecturers, fund art projects for environmental beautification, improve on the art curriculum to match international standards and acquire artworks to beautify government and corporate offices. “Private organisations can also be involved by sponsoring art exhibitions” he said.

Modern technology has introduced tremendous change in the industry, particularly the digital design and this has further boosted and improved the various brands in and out of the country.  Nduka recalled his early experience:  “When I was with Times Press in the early 90s as a graphic artist, we thought we had it all. Letraset; IBM typographic machine; bromide; cow gum; lighter fluid; drawing board with T-square, etc. I remember vividly we would spend months working on diaries, annual report, calendars.  Artworks had to be couriered thousands of kilometers for separation. With the introduction of computers and modern printing technology, you cannot fathom what the modern day technology can do. Once you can think it, it is possible. It has made things a lot easier with simple processes. It is a welcome development.”

“I have four role models. First is Jesus Christ, second is Tony O. Elumelu CON, Third is Michael Jackson and fourth is Monica Omeife my late mother,” said Nduka.

Peter Ehigiator