.../condt.
Two years since, the
paintings have improved. Ebele is shedding the flesh of "Graphic Artist-turned-Painter"
and loosening up. I see a lot more freedom breaking forth. More adventure.
I eagerly look forward to Ebele's paintings in the next couple of years...But
she just scared me a couple of days ago. Ebele says she is going into
monthly-pain EMPLOYMENT - O! I've heard lots of people say they can
combine both. Then they disappear - gobbled up by the system.
Ebele you go fit? I hope
you don't become a victim, because it's been fun seeing you come of
age. We changed your artistic-diapers at the IMT but now see-o, you
don big finish!
It's a thrill my dear
- this your first outing.
Ladies and Gentlemen
please, give this little lady space. She's coming through., These works
are doorways. Passages? Chrysalis? The worm changing into a beautiful
butterfly.
This young lady is coming
through. Give her space.
The female art population
is so thin in Nigeria. Theodora Ifudu, Ndidi Dike, Veronica Otigbo,
Chinwe Uwatse, Lara Ige and soon Ebele Okoye. You can join them Ebele
but beware of the potholes of the "Nigerian Art" clichés and run from
the "It's -a-matter-of-cash-Crowd." The lord be with you in this first
outing.
Bless you.
NSIKAK ESSIEN
july 1995
