Ogen Osiegbu Launches into Art Space with “Orogodo Caricature”

Yinka Olatunbosun

Young and dynamic artist Ogen Osiegbu, popularly known as Chulo, has made a bold entry into the Nigerian art scene with his debut solo exhibition, “Finally at The Beginning.” The exhibition, which opened on December 16 and will run until December 22, is being held at Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Osiegbu’s works are inspired by his roots in Delta state and the rich cultural history of the Benin Kingdom. His unique style, which he calls Orogodo Caricature, combines vibrant depictions of Benin bronze heads with Nsibidi script—a once-common symbolic language used by the southeastern people of Nigeria. Through his art, he invites conversations around life, culture, politics, economics, religion, and African identity.

Speaking about his style, Osiegbu said, “My art is Orogodo Caricature. My grandmother has ties to the Benin Kingdom. My characters are Benin masks reimagined as cartoons. I studied their dimensions, how the faces are structured, and infused a bit of Nsibidi, the lost language of the Igbo people.”

Interestingly, Osiegbu is a chemical engineer by training, with a master’s degree in Liquid Mechanics and Renewable Energy. He only began painting professionally in 2022, despite a lifelong appreciation for art and has participated in a group exhibition in the UK. “I have never painted in my life until December 2022,” he revealed. “It was in 2020 that I discovered my love for design. I started with digital art, clothes, and photography before finally picking up a brush. Painting feels like the start of something transformative for me.”

His exhibition features 25 colourful stunning pieces alongside creatively installed clothing items. Among the standout works are Bloody Mars, White Noise, Questions Deserve an Answer, and I Dream of Better Days. He uses a mix of acrylics, oil pastels, and even wall paints to achieve his striking visuals.

Osiegbu’s works are steeped in meaning, often addressing social and political issues. “I am not an activist, but I believe in starting conversations,” he explained. “One of my pieces asks, ‘What does it mean to be a Delta Igbo?’ It’s not about taking sides but encouraging young people to critically think about identity, culture, and what is right. “I am someone who initiates conversations. I don’t believe in being on one side or any side. We should all critically think about the things happening around us, the things that we are seeing.”

The artist also reflects real-world challenges in his work. One piece references the dollar exchange rate, symbolising the economic struggles faced by Nigerians. “I am a manufacturer and I import things, there is another of my pieces where I wrote “N1300 per dollar”. Then I bought a material for N1000 per dollar. And I was selling with that in mind. But suddenly the rate increased. It’s what is going on around me. If Bola Tinubu tomorrow brings down the price of the dollar, I will write it on my canvas,” he quipped, adding that his art mirrors the life he experiences.

The title of the exhibition, ‘Finally At The Beginning,’ underscores Osiegbu’s journey of experimentation and growth. From photography to digital art and clothing design, he explored various mediums before finding his voice in painting.

“I always wanted to have a community,” he said. “That desire led me to post my work online and experiment with moving pictures and design. It’s been a buildup to this moment.”

Osiegbu credits his parents for their unwavering support. “Every piece here was painted on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, encouraged by my mother,” he noted.

Through this exhibition, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions. He said, “With this exhibition I want to let you know that you can do it. The opportunity is there for you to start. That first work you do may not be the one that changes everything for you. But be open minded enough. Keep on trying different things until the one that comes easiest to you. You become a student of it. Being a student doesn’t mean in one year or two years you will get the notoriety.

“Mastery of craft is more important than the success or notoriety that comes with it. Start something, stay open-minded, and be a student of your craft.”