Bruce Onobrakpeya is one of the most documented artists in Nigeria. Since 1998, he has convened a series of art workshops known as The Harmattan Series at his hometown of Agbarha-Otor in Delta State. The Agbarha Otor Kingdom descends from the lineage of Agbarha one of the four descendants of Oghwoghwa, a man who emigrated from the ancient Benin Kingdom. Known for his adventure, Agbarha’s travels led him to his father’s origins in Benin. It was in the same region that he married a princess who became the mother to the first king of Agbarha-Otor.
Culture, royalty, and journeys are interwoven in the works of Bruce Onobrakpeya. Thus, it is symbolic that for 17 years, Onobrakpeya has influenced and instructed artists in the same location that molded his artistic sensitivities. For the first time, a wider audience can get a feel of the artistic formation that goes on and comes out of this Urhobo town. SMO Contemporary Art has put together an exhibition of Bruce Onobrakpeya’s works together with pieces created by hundreds of artists that have participated in this workshop.
There are collaborations and corridor installations; sculptures and paintings; weaving on canvass and experimental pieces. All 4 floors of the Lagos Court of Arbitration breathe art from the Harmattan Series. Visitors are provided with a guided tour that begins with a series titled, The Long Road to Agbarha-Otor. A collection of mixed media symbolize workshop participants’ personal and institutional journeys to Harmattan. Friendship and Connectivity was my favorite floor with its display of the connections participants had formed during their time at Agbarha-Otor. This section features several collaborations among the artists including Bruce Onobrakpeya himself.
An entire floor of the building has been dedicated to Bruce Onobrakpeya’s works and it is a perfect introduction to the history an influence of his body of work. The Amos Tutuola inspired, Gala Day under the River is repeated in different mediums and contexts. There is Onobrakpeya’s controversial Last Supper that was frowned on for his representation of Jesus and his disciples as Africans and a selection of books published by the artist. Self-Experimentation & Discovery and Our Culture, Our Wealth are the other two parts of The Harmattan Exhibition.
The view of the Atlantic Ocean through the windows of the host building complements Harmattan in its own way as it provides that needed pause for reflection. There is a lot to be seen at The Harmattan Exhibition and visitors cannot take it all in during one visit. The good news is the exhibition continues through December, so you would have ample opportunity to experience the art that came out of Agbarha-Otor.
The Harmattan Exhibition is open to the public for free and can be viewed on Fridays at The Lagos Court of Arbitration, Lekki from September 16 to December 16, 2016.
