We were lucky to catch up with Repolly Oba recently and have shared our conversation below.
Repolly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
it was in 2014 when i participate in and art workshop and for the first i saw artist from different place coming to create art i became fully convinced that this is what i wanted to do. but right from a very young age, age 5 to be precise i have always known that i had the potential to be an artist. over time i grew interest in science and electronics but this interest died natural or should i say through divine intervention after failed attempts to study electrical electronics in the university. It took me a period of self searching through and discovery prayers to realize that at the very core of my personal ability is the ability to visually create and manipulate forms. And i realized that visual art is the best step to take in that direction and immediately i decided to take it as profession, every thing began to click.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
“”I’m Oba Repolly Akpocha, a multidisciplinary sculptor driven by a passion for exploring the dynamic relationship between the organic and synthetic. Through my innovative mixed-media hybrid sculptures, which combine wood and electronic components, I create intricate, thought-provoking forms that invite viewers to experience the world from new and unexpected perspectives. Inspired by nature, technology, and everyday life, my artistic practice is rooted in a deep curiosity about the world around us. With a background in fine and applied arts from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work in numerous exhibitions, including Dreams Alive (2016), Life in My City (2017, 2019, 2024), and Hybrid Group Exhibition (2024). I’m a recipient of the Chimedie Museum Prize for Creative Excellence in Visual Arts (2018) and was recognized for my creative impact during my National Youth Service Corps in Ebonyi State, Nigeria (2021). Through my art, I aim to spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and challenge perceptions.”
My artistic practice explores the intricate relationships between human intelligence, nature, and technology. Through sculptures that combine natural materials like wood with discarded electronic components, I symbolize the tensions and harmonies between the organic and manufactured. By repurposing electronic waste, I comment on the consequences of our technological advancements and the importance of finding creative solutions to environmental challenges.
My work invites viewers to contemplate the complex relationships between human innovation and the natural world, and to consider their role in shaping the world we share. I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature, as well as a greater awareness of our impact on the environment.
Through my art, I encourage viewers to reflect on their relationship with technology and the natural world, and to explore new ways of thinking about sustainability and environmental responsibility. By sparking conversation and contemplation, I hope to contribute to a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of human and natural systems.”
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
the best way the society can support artist is by acknowledging the role they play in the society and encouraging art practice through commission, funding, grants and other financial assistance because it takes a lot to create art both mentally, financially, technically, physically e.t.c.
some individual think being an artist is a waste of time and no meaningful career can be built through art. Such ideologies are wrong and misleading. I have seen quite a number of young talented folks who will always tell you that they are gifted in the arts but could not take it up as a career because of the tales of failure being postulated by some member of the society and even family members. During the starting of my career as an artist if i had listen to this i wouldn’t have gotten this far. so the society need to encourage the artist. also the society should carry artist and creatives along in their on going projects.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Recently i went through a very frustrating experience. That i am still trying to recover from. so i use to have a studio space where i create my art pieces and before i knew it the studio space was marked for demolition due to an on going government project, and eventually the space was demolished. i was force to park my properties to a one room apartment. and for months (if not years) i could not produce art and this event happened at the stage of my life where i was trying to settle down and face my art career fully. it real was a hard and depressing time for me and all effort to get help was negative. I had to encourage my self by asking myself these questions where do i start? what do i have? what can i do? and in the process of answering these question i was able start with working outdoors, using the tools and materials (some of which were repurposed) available to me and creating the art work that I could create at that time. although I haven’t got a better space yet but i still create my art regardless and over time i have been able to create stunning master pieces that has pulled the attention of passer by and in the process gotten some commission works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/obarepolly/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oba_repolly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/repollyoba
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@repollyoba167
