Any field of art should be encouraged. No one should undermine the art profession. Children and young adults can actually eke out a living through art in all forms: poetry, music, creative writing, drama, etc
Here I present to you Benjamine Ejiohuo, a creative and passionate artist, why he loves the art profession and his exhibitions.
A dynamic painter and a very dedicated contemporary art teacher
EJIOHUO BENJAMIN, was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
He hails from Mgbualia Rundele in Emohua LGA Rivers State.
An alumnus of Rivers State College of Education, the University of Ibadan and the University of Port Harcourt. He obtained (NCE), (B.ED) Hons and presently MFA (in view).
Benjamin uses his works to personally define the conflicting world we live in today, he is a mixed media expressionist experimenting with a wide range of materials. His theme and basic changes are informed by the time change, observation and available materials.
He has to his credit a number of solo and group exhibitions
Currently the Director of social, society of Nigeria artist Rivers and Bayelsa chapter (SNA). And co-founder of art & live (art movement)
WHY I LOVE ART
I grow up loving the field of art, having the mindset of becoming an artist one day. I first studied art as an apprentice under some roadside artists. My embrace with art began a long way back. You see, one could say that I had the knowhow in art before going to school. I intended to study something else, but my dad advised otherwise, he used these words, “ my boy since you are used to doing ARTs then go for it”. That was how it all started, and I tell you it has been a progressive race indeed, the choice was right and for the right person.
I had my basic training at the Rivers State College of Education, where I obtained NCE and B.ED degree, specializing in painting and currently running a master programme at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
MEDIUMS
I use all range of painting media but my favourite medium is oil. I also fine acrylic and mixed media very interesting.
MY INFLUENCES
I am been influenced by a renowned Ghanaian artists, Ablade Glove and Mavua Lessors for their use of impasto, a technique that gives painting a thick and almost three dimensionality and a good texture. I later danced to expressionism and recently swayed to our own cultural rhythm.
INSPIRATION
First of all my inspirations come from GOD and my environment. My works are influenced by our political scenes and activities around me
Artist Statement
Nature is the warehouse of motifs for creativity.
Painting is holistic, it encapsulate the totality of my being, fears, hope aspiration of my vision to tomorrow. Through natural motifs, I reflect on the past assess and synthesis the present and make projection for the future.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
1ST -7TH OCT.2009 – UNITY. Le-meridien, Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt
11TH -16TH JAN.2010- UNITY IN DIVERSITY. Polo club Rendezvous, GRA. PH.
OCT.2010- LIFE IN MY CITY. Alliance Francaise Enugu.
20TH 26TH SEPT.2010- 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON ART AND DEVELOPMENT. Aarmattan workshop gallery, Lagos.
9TH -16TH OCT.2010 OCTOBER RAIN. Nike Art Gallery, Lagos.
6th -7th NOV.2010 – ART & LIFE 11. Air Assault Golf Club PH.
Angela Inyena Anietie
08065189975 (SMS Only)
E-mail: angelstars.emp@gmail.com
