A wave of grief washed over the Nigerian art world on Wednesday as news spread of the passing of revered contemporary visual artist Zinno Orara.
Tributes began surfacing on social media, with colleagues and admirers expressing their deep sorrow at the loss of this artistic giant.
Orara’s artistic journey began in Benin, Edo where he was born in 1964.
His passion for the arts led him to pursue studies at the School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, graduating with distinction in 1988.
He dedicated himself fully to his artistic practice, establishing himself as a full-time studio artist soon after.
Orara’s artistic voice emerged in 1991 with his first solo exhibition titled “Metamorphosis” held at the prestigious Didi Museum.
This marked the beginning of a prolific career, with Orara going on to hold 13 independent exhibitions and participate in over 20 collaborative projects.
His artistic talents transcended national borders.
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Orara’s works have been exhibited not only across Nigeria but also internationally, finding recognition in South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, and the United States.
Tributes poured in from fellow artists and those who knew Orara personally.
Biodun Omotayo, Founder of Omotayo Art Gallery, expressed his deep respect for Orara in a heartfelt Facebook post.
He described Orara not just as a “brilliant visual artist” but also a “philosopher,” “gentleman per excellence,” and a dedicated mentor to young artists.
Omotayo particularly highlighted Orara’s willingness to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation, specifically mentioning his participation in the Young at Art Creative Workshop’s 20th-anniversary celebration.
Orara’s final major public appearance was at the “DIALOGUE” exhibition held at the National Museum, Lagos, earlier this year.
This poignant detail from Omotayo’s post underscores the suddenness of Orara’s passing.
While the cause of death has not been made public, the Nigerian art world feels the immense loss of a talented artist and a pillar of the creative community.
Zinno Orara’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his captivating artworks and the inspiration he brought to countless others.
