In Hysteria, Ogbeta highlights mental health

John Ogbeta’s solo exhibition, ‘Hysteria’, explores the nexus between art and mental health.

AN alumnus of the Colourists School of Auchi Polytechnic, John Ogbeta, is set to demonstrate the connection between visual art and improved mental health with his solo exhibition, ‘Hysteria’.

The show, which opened yesterday at Signature Beyond Art Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, will undoubtedly be a worthy addition to research linking the arts to improved physical and mental health.

The mixed-media artist highlights the effect of socio-economic challenges on people’s mental health by using found and recycled objects, including jute, rope and fabric on board for Hysteria’s striking works. He brilliantly delves into the sphere of mental health with mixed media on plywood works including ‘Tamed’, ‘Subtle Gender’, ‘In The Face Of Adversities’ and ‘Unbroken’.

Commenting on the exhibition ongoing till September 25, Signature Beyond Gallery said it was excited to host ‘Hysteria’ because of its peculiarity. “John is a mixed media artist that uses recycled objects (jute, rope, fabric) for his works on board. He is an internationally renowned artist and has featured in several group exhibitions.”

‘Hysteria’, the gallery further noted, “focuses on mental health and the effect of managing the challenges caused by socio-economic and socio-political imbalances. Each work depicts the power of art.”

In the catalogue’s introduction, Ogbeta’s colleague, Joe Essien, disclosed that he sought to uncover his motivation for better appreciation and understanding of the artist’s thoughts while conceiving and creating the works.

The artist, he wrote, “strives to express via the use of repurposed materials and colours the socio-economic existence of the Nigerian – reflecting the resilient strength and hope in their attitudes even in the face of grinding poverty and hardships.”

Essien also noted that the show’s title “points to the state of the Nigerian existence cum the leadership processes where a small group of people have ruled for several years without noticeable improvements in the people’s standard of living.”

Ogbeta focuses on the plight of the people and not the politicians, though. “It is, however, not his intention to dwell on the political. His purpose is to highlight the pervading mood of a troubled hope prevalent in most Nigerians’ psyche by his use and manipulation of found materials and colours. We should not forget the fact that he’s a graduate of the renowned colourists’ school of Auchi Polytechnic.”

In what appears like a critique of Ogbeta’s works, Essien wrote: “In his paintings, his palette is refreshing, ranging from cool to warm, and bright where appropriate. There is tranquillity in some of the postures of the forms and figures depicting submission to forces that can’t be fought but with a prevailing sense of angst in the air. John has succeeded in elevating simple domestic circumstances into beautiful works of art by using colours and found objects to create timeless artworks which will succeed in titillating our senses, eyes and imagination.

“In my opinion, the artist is making a statement that art can be simplistic, uncomplicated, and on-point. Art is for art’s sake. The artist has a deep understanding of the colour spectrum. His ability to manipulate this knowledge echoes in his works. Apart from the paintings in mixed media, the artist exhibits drawing as an indicative sound foundation as the most important weapon in the artist’s arsenal! There is no art without drawing, and John Ogbeta has grasped the importance of the fact.”

A widely-exhibited artist, Ogbeta was born on September 25, 1971, in Lagos. He attended Auchi Polytechnic, obtaining Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma, majoring in painting.

His works have a hard edge relief base that defines his subjects carefully. His particular use of mixed media has set him aside and created a unique path.

Ogbeta’s works are in major collections in West Africa, Europe, Australia and North America. He currently lives and works in Lagos as a full-time studio artist.

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