Tree of Life carved tree sculpture by Amos Okosun Odion (Nigerian sculptor)
A large contemporary carved wood sculpture representing 22 faces. The sculpture is hewn from a single section of a tree trunk. Signature and date carved, Amos Okosun Odion, 1992.
This striking and imposing carved wood sculpture features a central, tree-like trunk adorned with intricate details. Atop the trunk, a cluster of stylized human heads emerges, their expressions varying from contemplative to serene. The overall composition conveys a sense of unity and interconnectedness.
Amos Okosun Odion is a Nigerian Postwar & Contemporary sculptor and underwent an apprenticeship with the late painter and sculptor Erhabor Emokpae (one of the pioneers of Modern Art in Nigeria). His carved-wood sculptures are notable for their proportion. They are based on the human figure and sometimes refer to abstract forms. Odion starts his carving process from a single woodblock, sculpting figures characterized by a textured surface.
Odion's abstract works convey a sense of humor by their stocky proportion, well-detailed features of his figurative pieces that embody cultural preferences and individuality that addresses known mainstream sculptural themes. His wood sculptures adorn many notable public buildings such as the Economic Commission for Africa Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the Unilever Headquarters, London.
Origin:
Country: Nigeria
Material: Wood
Height: 149 cms Diameter: 35 cm (widest)
Biography: Birth: 1943, in Benin City, Edo State.
Training: Apprenticed to Ben Aye, Felix Idubor and Erhabor Emokpae; studied art for four years, Yaba College of Technology.
Artist's Profile:
Worked in Felix Idubor's studio, Lagos; freelance artist; works mostly in hard wood.
Solo Exhibitions
"An Exhibition of Sculptures by Amos Odion," National Theatre, Lagos, August 3- 16, 1984.
Group Exhibitions "Contemporary Nigerian Plastic Art Exhibition,
" Fourth National Arts Festival, Lagos State Cultural Centre, Lagos, 1974.
"National Art Exhibition," National Theatre, Lagos, October 2-9, 1976.
FESTAC '77, Lagos, 1977.
"Exhibition of Works by Contemporary Nigerian Artists," National Theatre, Lagos, September 4-9, 1977.
Fourth Indian Triennial of Contemporary World Art, New Delhi, India, 1978.
"Exhibition of Nigerian Traditional and Contemporary Art," Lagos, 1978.
Nigerian Contemporary Art, Sofia, Bulgaria, 1979.
"National Art Exhibition," National Theatre, Lagos, September 25-October 1, 1980. "Exhibition of Nigerian Contemporary Art," Dakar, Senegal, November 25- December 7, 1980.
"Ausstellung Nigerianische Kunst der Gegenwart," Bonn, Germany, August 9-18, 1982. "Exhibition of Nigerian Contemporary Art," Islamabad, Pakistan, 1983.
"Silver Jubilee National Art Exhibition," National Theatre, Lagos, September 26- October 1, 1985.
Public Collections Federal Ministry of Information, Cultural Division, Lagos.
Ebony sculptures: "Mask," "Surrender," "Gentleman," and "Portrait of a Girl"; wood sculptures: "Young Woman" and "Mother and Child." National Galleryof Modern Art, Lagos. Wood sculptures: "Masquerade," "Surrendered Woman," "Olokun Goddess," and "Restingon Three Pillars."
Bibliography An Exhibition ofSculptures by Amos Odion; [held at the National Theatre, Lagos, August 3-16, 1984].
Provenance:
Private collection of Mr Alfred Spinnler.
Alfred F. Spinnler, CEO of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Ltd. possessed a large collection of tribal art, many items coming from his godfather's own collection acquired in the 1940's. Mr Spinnler acquired a large collection of African traditional art and antiques during his 20 years working in Nigeria and Ghana.
Condition:
Excellent condition. Beautiful carving work and patina.