The AHP Postdoctoral Research: Enugu Update 4

2011-10-06T03:31:00.000-07:00

Entrance,Department of Fine and Applied Arts (‘New’ Site), Institute of Management andTechnology, Enugu

Beyondstudio visits, I have continued to search archives and libraries in Enugu inline with my on-going AHP post-doctoral research into the history of modernceramics in Nigeria in the 20^th century. Sculptor Okay Ikenegbu(that’s how he prefers to be addressed!), Head of the Fine and Applied ArtsDepartment at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, gave mefull access to their collection of students’ project reports, ranging from theearly 1970s. I have found a number of projects written by ceramic students,providing insight into the kind of field research that they carried out fromthe early years of the institution and the kind of studio work executed aswell. Interestingly, of particular note is a study by Obiegbu Ositadinma Sunday(FAA/H84/023), entitled “Development of Fine Art in the Institute of Managementand Technology, Enugu”, which has led me into the history of the IMT and of theFine and Applied Arts Department there. From Obiegbu‘s research, I am able toget information on the biography and work of a number of important teachers ,such as Smart Ogbu, now late, who was one of the founding fathers of theceramics section and a very influential potter described as ‘a master of the potter’swheel’. There are also such useful project reports as “The Revolution inPottery/Ceramics Designs and Decorations in Afara-Ukwu Ibeku Pottery Centre inIkwuano/Umuahia Local Government of Imo State”, by Ukoji Theresa Ngozi(FAA/H86/030), and “Changing Trends in Ceramic Decorations from Traditional toModern”, by Agbo Robert Odo (FAA/H83/002), both of which provide somebackground information on the Okigwe and Ekulu colonial potteries of the 1950s.

A section ofthe library, Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Institute of Management andTechnology, Enugu

The experience gained from searchingstudents’ theses at the IMT has opened my eyes to return to Nsukka to take avery close look at undergraduate student theses, and to do the same at the ObafemiAwolowo University, Ife; Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos; Ahmadu BelloUniversity, Zaria, and other important art institutions across the country.However, it appears to me that my next immediate research destination should bethe University of Ibadan where the National Archive, housing documentsparticularly related to the Western Region of Nigeria, is located.

The AHP Postdoctoral Research: Enugu Update 3

2011-10-06T03:15:00.000-07:00

Interestingly, during my research visitsto Bona Gallery and Chris Afuba’s private gallery, both in Enugu, I did notonly photograph the ceramic works of Tony Umunna, Bridget Egbeji, Chris Echeta,Chris Afuba and others, I also encountered my own ceramic works, especially thoseof the late 1990s. I took shots of these too and am posting a couple of theimages below. I have just realised that my work has benefitted from the textileimageries that have defined the oeuvre of one of my masters, Professor ElAnatsui. Notably, all the works below were produced in the studio of my mainceramic mentor, Professor Benjo Igwilo, whose carved wooden roulettes inspiredmy carving and use of about two others. Also, in a number of the works,especially “Coat” (1998), and in several items that make up my tea set (2000),I find that what Anatsui does on wood panels using power tools, I do on theskin of my ceramic wares at the leather hard stage, using improvised gouges andturning tools. I am beginning to hunger for a return to my ceramics studio,beyond this year-long art historical research and writing!

Ozioma Onuzulike,1998, Coat, ceramic, 40x27cm

Ozioma Onuzulike,1998, Pillar, ceramic, 49x29cm

Ozioma Onuzulike,1998, Patched Cloth, ceramic, 50x29cm

Ozioma Onuzulike,1998, Bleeding Head, ceramic, 30x24cm

Ozioma Onuzulike,1998, Old Cloth, ceramic and acrylicpaint, 33x27cm

Ozioma Onuzulike,2000, Tea Cups (Lying), ceramic, C.10cm standing ht.

Milk Jug (Lying), 12cm standing ht.

Tea Pot, 23cm ht

OZIOMA ONUZULIKE

The AHP Postdoctoral Research: Enugu Update 4

The AHP Postdoctoral Research: Enugu Update 3