Isaac Emokpae
Nigerian visual artist (born 1977)
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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.
November 5, 1977
Isaac Emokpae | |
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| Born | Isaac Iken Ismahil Ọláminíyì Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae November 5, 1977 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Other names | Iken Erhabor-Emokpae, Isaac Erhabor Emokpae, Iken Emokpae |
| Alma mater | University of Lagos |
| Occupations | Photographer, painter, visual artist |
| Parent | Erhabor Emokpae |
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]