Aina Onabolu Obe

Place: Ijebu-Ode

Born: 1882

Death: 1963

Biography:

Aina Onabolu Obe was a renowned Nigerian modern arts teacher and painter, born in 1882 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. He is celebrated for his significant contribution to the introduction of arts into the curriculum of secondary schools in Nigeria. Aina Onabolu Obe promoted the drawing of environmental forms in a verisimilitudinous style and was known for his early modern work in portraiture.

Early Life and Education

started painting at the age of 12, inspired by the cheap re-produced illustrations of Western arts which were prominent in many Nigerian magazines and religious books. He later traveled abroad to study art at Académie Julian in Paris and at a school in London. Before his sojourn abroad, he was already a competent and self-taught draftsman. He completed his studies with a diploma in fine arts and a teacher's certificate from St. John Woods College, London in 1922.

Career

In 1909, when the colonial government in Nigeria took control of formal education, the curriculum in the schools was geared towards the provision of suitable education to train clerk position clerks for the colonial Administration government administration. Aina Onabolu Obe played a crucial role in introducing modern arts education in secondary schools. He began teaching in a few top schools in Lagos such as King's College, Lagos and CMS Grammar School, Lagos. His themes dealt primarily with the science of perspective, drawing, human proportions, and watercolor painting. Some of his notable works include:

• Portrait of Mrs Spencer Savage in 1906, which is sometimes credited as one of the earliest outstanding work of art that used a western and modern style and technique.
• Portrait of Mr Randle, which was his mentor who got his attention on the deleterious characteristics of colonialism.
• Portrait of Chief (Dr.) Sapara, which was in watercolor.

Legacy

is considered one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian art. His contribution to the introduction of arts into the curriculum of secondary schools in Nigeria paved the way for future generations of artists. He is also the great-grandfather of Canadian pop singer Joseph Onabolu. For more information about Aina Onabolu Obe, visit https://Wikioo.org/@/Aina-Onabolu-Obe or his Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aina_Onabolu. Some of his paintings can be found at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art in Lagos, Nigeria, such as Awaiting the Verdict and Northern Setting.