Head or portrait painting is a fascinating area of art that has captured the attention of many art enthusiasts. For me, Nigerian traditional art has been a significant influence on my appreciation of this style of painting. Traditional Nigerian art emphasizes the head as the seat of wisdom and reasoning, often creating portraits that are focused solely on the head or bust of their sculptural figures. It is in this vein that I came across an intriguing painting titled “Okpia 1.”
“Okpia 1” is an acrylic painting on canvas with dimensions of 54 by 54 inches. The title Okpia means “Man” in Benin language, which is my dialect. The art piece is a canvas filled with an abstract painting of a bold head of a man, painted with dots, intuitive figures, symbols, patterns, and colours.
This painting is a celebration of the power and resilience of the head, standing tall as an Okpia (a man) ready to face any challenge or responsibility. In my society, the word Okpia represents responsibility, boldness, struggle, persistence, pride, a defender, a warrior, a leader, and more. If an individual possesses all these qualities, they are seen as an Okpia, regardless of gender.
The painting’s abstract nature draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore the intricate details of the dots, figures, symbols, and patterns that adorn the head. The use of colour also plays a vital role, highlighting the different elements of the painting and creating a sense of movement and depth.
“Okpia 1” is not just a painting but a celebration of Benin tradition and the power of the head. It invites us to appreciate the head as a seat of wisdom and reasoning, and to embrace the qualities that make us Okpias in our own right.
