b. 30 August 1932, Oghara, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria Lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria Bruce Onobrakpeya is one of Nigeria’s most esteemed visual artists, renowned for pioneering a modern African aesthetic through printmaking, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. He earned his Diploma in Fine Arts and Teacher’s Certificate from what is now Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1962, and soon became a key figure in the “Zaria Rebels” movement which comprised of artists who infused Western technique with indigenous African philosophy and culture. After his studies, Onobrakpeya taught art at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, inspiring generations of students, while simultaneously building a prolific practice. His experimental studio became a nexus for innovation and education, eventually evolving into the Niger Delta Cultural Centre (now the Onobrakpeya Art Centre)nwhich hosts the annual Harmattan Workshop attracting artists nationwide. Acknowledged internationally, he has exhibited at venues such as the Venice Biennale, Tate Modern (London), the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, Malmö Konsthall (Sweden), and Nigeria’s National Gallery of Modern Art. His artworks are included in major public and private collections, including the Vatican, presidential villas, museums, and institutions worldwide. Onobrakpeya’s distinguished accolades include the UNESCO Living Human Treasures Award, the British Council Award, the Fulbright-Hays Award, multiple national merit awards, fellowship with the Society of Nigerian Artists, and Nigeria’s Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) honor, among others. Throughout his lifelong career, he has remained deeply committed to cultural education, artistic innovation, and the empowerment of artists across generations.