Isaac Emokpae

Isaac Emokpae
Born
Isaac Iken Ismahil Ọláminíyì Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae

(1977-11-05)November 5, 1977
Lagos, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
Other namesIken Erhabor-Emokpae, Isaac Erhabor Emokpae, Iken Emokpae
Alma materUniversity of Lagos
Occupation(s)Photographer, painter, visual artist
ParentErhabor 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.

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

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b c Oyewole, Nurudeen (April 13, 2014). "Emokpae stages first solo exhibition in grand style". Daily Trust. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  3. ^ Shuaib, Gidado (April 2, 2017). "Stop dreaming of jobs that are not there, Artist advise youths' — Youths Digest". Youths Digest. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  4. ^ "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.
  5. ^ Eytan, Declan. "Nigeria's Leading Doll Brand is Coming to America". Forbes. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  6. ^ "2017 art year: The rundown continues". Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  7. ^ "Nigeria: Iken Erhabor-Emokpae – A Chip Off the Block". This Day (Lagos). March 7, 2005. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  8. ^ "Erhabor-Emokpae… A Quintessential Artist : Nigerian Latest News Papers News Online". www.nigerianbestforum.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  9. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/nigeria/thisday-style/20150809/281998966180678. Retrieved February 8, 2018 – via PressReader. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ^ "Like father, like son – The Nation Nigeria". The Nation Nigeria. April 9, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  11. ^ "RELE OPENS TRANSPARENT BY ISAAC EMOKPAE – Olori Supergal". Olori Supergal. November 2, 2017. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  12. ^ "Review Of Strip In the Sunday Guardian". WanaWana. June 3, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  13. ^ Enwonwu, Oliver. "Isaac Emokpae: Duality – Omenka Online". www.omenkaonline.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  14. ^ 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. Archived from the original on February 9, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.