Ace sculptor OBIORA ANIDI; How concrete, iron, metal, marble obey his instructions

 

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*Ace sculptor Obiora Anidi

By Fred Iwenjora

That celebrated sculptor and arts teacher Dr Obiora Anidi has carved a niche for himself as an artist of note with a very uncanny and peculiar style is not in doubt.

This is because he immediately started diligently working his way up the ladder after his graduation with a HND from Institute of management and Technology IMT Enugu arts department in 1982.

While at IMT and before his graduation, Anidi who has now acquired a PH.d from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and is currently the Chief Art Lecturer at Enugu state College of Education projected and perfected the use of wrought iron and metal to create wonderful artworks that continue to appeal to many lovers of visual arts.

As you read this, Anidi has taken this style to much higher levels with his latest mix of concrete and marble together with metal and iron and creating internationally renowned pieces.

*Akalaka by Obiora Anidi

A visit to his serene private studio in Enugu shows many works at various stages of completion littered around.

The founding member of the world famous AKA Group of exhibiting artists and Chairman of the Enugu state Council of Arts and Culture says “molding these scraps of irons, metals, marbles and concrete into something meaningful gives me utmost joy”

*Anya Ike (axe)by Obiora Anidi

Asked to react to the recent vandalizing and defacing of monuments in Enugu by hoodlums disguised as #Endsars protesters, Anidi whose depiction of the respected Odo masquerade of the Ojebogene clan in a wrought iron and metal piece titled Otukwuru Ojuani many years back still rings bells exclaimed “this is anarchy and very unfortunate. Detractors will always attempt to sabotage a common good movement. But I trust God is standing by. They won’t succeed in the attempt to break our spirit by destroying our treasures. We should pray it never happens again”

*Anidi (3rd L) with members of the LIMCAF with Gov Ugwuanyi in 2016

In a brief lecture, Anidi tutored that “Late Commodore Emeka Omeruah was the Military Administrator of Old Anambra state who directed the then Commissioner for works Dr. John Eluka and the management of IMT to mount some select sculptures of the institute’s garden at some strategic locations and roundabouts within Enugu to beautify the city. My work "Evayiku Odo Symbolism" situated at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus gate and roundabout is part of that project”.

*Anidi