There is always a deep connection between artists and their creations. It could be a memory kept alive or a recorded history of a time written, not by words, but through drawings, paintings, and so on. The original chronicles of the society we had lived, right from the age long and this present time is hidden within the artists and their art. The amazing side of it remains a universal language every one can speak, especially when seen.
Cliff Agba is a Jos-city based artist. A painter with a blend of realities and wild imaginations. Looking at one of his paintings he called "Loud whispers", one would be wondering what the piece is all about. The "what" in this piece is straightforward and at the same time meditative.
A portrait of a middle-aged woman, playfully holding ichaka- a traditional musical instrument in her hands and positions to be in slow motion. Within her face which was boldly focused on an unseen object unknown to no one, was depicted, maintaining a subtle look, as displayed by her eye lids which were half-closed and a bit smiling red lips. She was heavily decorated with a red chieftain beads on her neck and right wrist. And on the head, a noticeable tiny beads of the same colour, astride her hair, given her a gleaming beauty. Her vestiary is a combination of red-george-wrapper tied over the chest region, covering her breasts which is the symbol of motherhood and a white dazzling hand towel at the right side.
One can easily notice the painting and see a woman, though there are meanings revolving around this figure. Traced back to the past, women are special people, with differences but with a special goal. To balance life itself in our homes, families, communities, religions, at feasts and festivals, even in government and the entire society in which we are. A woman's smile is so deep from the inside and goes beyond reactions. A home is never tasty if it lacks a woman who is a mother and wife. The same influences the every day society.
The "How" in this art piece is unique. Using shades of mild grey colours, varying from turquoise and deep yellows whose intensity has been toned to create a visible halo impasto around the woman, the painter sends a message of virtue and dignity and the unending managerial nature of womanhood. Giving her this particular instrument is obvious. In many diverse ethnic groups, mostly seen, Igbos, yorubas,Benin,urhobo, efik, ibibio and many others, women use this instrument to back up their songs and lyrics. The arrangement of the beads around this very figure is quite interesting. The painter exhibited his skills masterfully, directing every eyes to the head down to the chest region of the figure, making it his centre of interest.
A closer observation on Cliff's works, what inspires him ranges from women and men, both young and old, children and the youths, festivals, market scenes and spirituality. He grew up in a society where norms and values were highly placed. Attributed to the painting "Loud Whispers", women have a sense of determination, mildness, powers, beautiful secrets and solutions. They are epitome of success and endurance. It was painted, reference to the every day woman in our society. The painter took notice of the life, travails, the unending role of motherhood and their relation with the peace, justice, success and endurance right from the home to the outside society.
The work is indeed magnificent artistic impression.
The work is indeed magnificent artistic impression.
Izuchukwu Cliff Agba
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