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In his third solo
exhibition titled “Epiphany”, which opened on May 28 at the Signature
Art and Interior Gallery, Ikoyi, the Port Harcourt-based self-taught
artist, Segun Aiyesan, teaches the values of time.

Using mix media as
his expression in the 38 works on display, Aiyesan sets the stage to
bring his ideas to life. The works which he creates by experimenting
with sculpting, acrylic, sand, fabric, rope and even cane are done on
canvas and wooden boxes, and have their messages represented in a well
documented brochure that explains the body of work especially the
abstracts, which make a larger percentage of the art pieces.

“Epiphany”, which
exhibits Aiyesan’s latest works done in 2009 and 2010, did not require
an elaborate opening as a prelude to the show, as the works seem to
already herald themselves. All that is required of the art patron is to
interact with the works and the viewers in the art space.

“It’s a matter of
choice; they are hosting us, and they have their way of doing things.
Having an opening ceremony is not definite. The last show I had in Eko
Hotel, there was an elaborate ceremony unlike this one,” the artist
said emphatically.

Aiyesan who loves
to feel the texture of the works on canvas, uses sculpting to create
three dimensional pieces like “History on Slates”, “Earth Song-Stanza
4”, “Edge of Rubicon” and “The Passage”. He explained, “I have been
playing with the concept of giving the viewer the chance to interact
with the work. I like the fact that one can go around the work. It’s an
aspect other artists can explore.”

The Engineer turned artist

Aiyesan, who last exhibited in Lagos seven years ago, explained why he gave up engineering for his first love.

“For me, I think
art is something that is inborn. I never thought I would become a
professional artist, when I started out it was for the fun of it. It
was after I realised that I could not be the artist I wanted to be if I
was an engineer that I knew that this serious hobby could be a means of
livelihood. I have never felt happier doing it (art)” he explained.

Asked if his
engineering qualification is relevant to his art, he replied, “It’s my
engineering background that makes me organise structures better”

Epiphany

Through the
trickles of visitors to and from the venue, the works on the wall play
between abstract and realism with the use of symbols that complete the
vibrant assembly. Being a self taught artist gives Aiyesan the ability
to explore -without worrying about being limited to thinking like
products of an art school – which he does well with a style that has
the colour vibrancy famous with the Auchi School and symbols that echo
the Uli and Nsibidi art movements; there is also realism in his works,
which artists from the Yaba art school are popular for.

In all this,
Aiyesan never loses his unique style and personal creativity. The
works, which include “Red Landscape”, “Casualties of War”, “The
Emissaries” and “The Things That Bind Us” have themes on environmental
degradation, national development, slavery, peace and insincerity. They
also show Aiyesan’s love for the use of human figures and masks in his
works. Only the piece, “Grey Moment” depicts a cityscape.

Art for the times

The only way to
understand Aiyesan’s works is to experience it. The large size of a
number of the works makes their prices (ranging from N30,000 to
N60,000) a good bargain. Even if visitors did not leave with Aiyesan’s
work under their arm, at least they would leave with invaluable lessons.

Segun Aiyesan’s solo exhibition, ‘Epiphany’, was on display at the Signature Gallery in Lagos till June 10.