Kelechi
Amadi-Obi studied law at the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1992,
and was called to the bar in 1993. Since then, he has devoted himself
singlemindedly to art, focusing extensively on life drawing, portraiture,
and nature study. He uses live models and photographs but depends
on the latter for his sceneries. An engaging and passionate artist,
Amadi-Obi's is a keen student of human forms in different phases
of movement. In his study of natural forms he fierelessly experiments,
as he probes the technical quality of the paint medium.
A
characteristic trait of Kelechi Amadi-Obi's work is the transparent
airy, water color effect he creates in his oil paintings. In slides
or photographs, finished works, such as Reflections and Seated
Woman are sometimes mistaken for watercolors paintings. Another
distinct style he's developed can be seen in paintings such as Lawanson
and Tussle for the Road that capture the inclement weather
of Lagos's rainy season. To convey the slick drenched nature of
street life in the city, he develops a silken smooth technique that
relies on, and amplifies the slick viscosity of the medium. Using
this technique he has has
produced a number of portraits in oil for clients, but he is a his
eloquent best in watercolor studies of nature and female bodies.
Amadi-Obi
is a full time professional artist. he has today proven himself
to be one of Nigeria's contemporary artists to watch. Serious about
the technical quality of his creations yet dedicated to his chosen
subject-matter, he is equally fervent about his love for art. His
studio/gallery/home is a gathering place where fellow artists converge
to commune, and display and critique each others' works.
Kelechi's
works feature in several private collections within Nigeria and
abroad. His commissioned works range from illustrations for several
calendars, Magazine cover designs to portraits.
