By Sunday Ani
A contemporary art gallery based in Lagos, O’DA Art is currently showcasing Reuben Ugbine’s works in an art exhibition, tagged: “Monuments of the Soul.” Ugbine was a leading post-war and contemporary sculptor, who lived and worked in Benin, the Edo State capital. Throughout the duration of his studio practice, he mastered the art of carving and sculpting using materials, such as wood, terracotta, and metal railings.
The exhibition which started last month, February 24, would be brought to a close on March 16. About 25 works that span over two decades of Ugbine’s art career, staring from the evolution of his intricate woodcarvings and sculpting technique in 1998 to the present day, will be on display on each day between 10am and 6pm
Throughout his career, Ugbine designed and executed several carvings, using ebony and iroko wood, terracotta, metal railings and other materials for crafting his sculptures. He has participated in several solo and group shows across Africa and internationally including the 2013 Aabru Art London Group show, tagged, ‘Transcending Boundaries,’ the 2018 ArtHouse Contemporary Auction Evening, and the 2019 ‘Material Times’ group exhibition at Rele Gallery, Lagos. Ugbine’s work was also acquired by the British Museum, UK, in 2018.