Five years ago, in July
1995, Nsikak Essien wrote the foreword to Okoye's Storms of the Heart
solo exhibition. Reflecting on the camaraderie of life at IMT, the support,
and mentorship Essien provided, Okoye decided to share this side of
art in Nigeria, in which some male artists are genuinely supportive
of some female artists. The following is the foreword.
EBELE OKOYE
I confess a love for
good drawing. Sometime ago, we had an explosion of very talented young
people. They were all in one class, and turned the IMT [Institute of
Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria] upside down. This revival
was spearheaded by four people: three boys and a lady. Ebele Okoye is
that female.
At that time, I wasn't
teaching their class but I would look for every opportunity to go visit
their drawing class. Listen, something was occurring and I didn't want
to miss any bit of it. I started dreaming...I could see these students
5 years on...
Unfortunately, the wise
NBTE came in with a new "Entry Requirements" clause and this group was
disbanded. They dispersed - some to ABU and others elsewhere. Ebele
remained. I watched her grow. It was a pleasure. I wonder what would
have happened if they all grew together as they were - sparking off
each other.
Anyway, I still visited
their class. This spunky little lady could draw. She was still up there.
Her lines were lovely. She specialised in Graphics. Unique works.
Some years later, I met
Ebele again and she was now painting! Got bored with doing those letterheads
and billboards. Not surprising. Restless little lady!...
.../ continued on next
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