Boy and Cow, 1998
Ink on paper
From "(Of) Lines and Lives: Drawings by Victor Ekpuk"

A List
10/19/09

SLU Gallery Exhibiting Works By Nigerian Artist

CANTON - An exhibition titled "(Of) Lines and Lives: Drawings by Victor Ekpuk" will be in the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery at St. Lawrence University from October 27 through December 12.

A drawing performance by Ekpuk will take place on Monday, October 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Winston Room of the Sullivan Student Center and on Tuesday, October 27, Ekpuk will deliver a lecture on his work, at 7 p.m. in the Common Room of Sykes Residence Hall. Both events are open to the public, free of charge.

Ekpuk was born in Nigeria and received a B.A. in fine arts from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1988. Most recently, he has exhibited work in Inscribing Meanings at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, and in Unbound: New Art for a New Century, at the Newark Museum, New Jersey.

He states, "The central theme of my work is the exploration of the relationships, challenges and responses to changes that characterize the human condition. Of particular interest to my project is nsibidi, an indigenous African system of writing that employs graphic signs and codes to convey concepts. Inspired by this ancient writing, forms in my works are reduced to basic essence, resulting in new symbols or codes in script-like drawings that are used to express contemporary experiences. When combined with nsibidi signs, these scripts also provide the background narrative to my compositions. Most often, these narratives are better perceived when they are felt rather than read literally."

For information or to arrange individual or group tours, contact the gallery at 315-229-5174.

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