Phase-4: Multiple Elements

‘Multiple Elements’ (Phase-4) consists of ‘Roots of inspiration’, ‘Flames’, ‘Digging for Gold’, ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Forest of Wisdom’ series of paintings (Plates XIII - XVIII). The paintings have common compositional feature that is characterised by multiple Cassia tora root patterns. ‘Roots of inspiration’ relies on circular forms and ripples of curvilinear lines that totalize the picture plane. ‘Flames’ relies on Cassia tora root tips. ‘Digging for gold’ dwells on concentric orientation of the root forms. ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Forest of wisdom’ series dwell on crowded root forms, depth and space as well as the sensation of movement, sound and time. 

 

4.1 Flames

Plate XIII: Flames, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvass, 110 cm x 140 cm 

‘Flames’ is composed with multiple Cassia tora root tips that are turned upside-down. The picture plane is totalised by root tips of red, yellow and brown hues. The kaleidoscope of Cassia tora root tips gives the impression of flames. At the right ride of the painting, there is a root tip depicted in tones of yellow ochre, with a pair of branches that spread across other root tips. The root tips phantasmagoria, buoyed by warm colours, re-enacts the allegory of reincarnation, expressing the notion that the end of a generation marks the beginning of yet another generation – world without end. The composition is a metaphor for regeneration and hope. 

 

4.2 Roots of inspiration 

Plate XIV: Roots of inspiration, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvas, 137 cm x 77 cm 

‘Roots of Inspiration’ is an abstract painting, composed of circular and linear forms of various thicknesses and brown hues. The production method began by dismantling the Cassia tora root components – the taproot, branch roots and nodes. These root components are then re-arranged, fused together and transformed as circular forms and ripples of curvilinear lines that totalize the picture plane. At the top centre of the composition, there are some circular forms of magenta, blue and yellow hues depicting the nodes. Two pairs of branch roots emerge from both sides of the nodes, spreading across stripes of curvilinear lines. 

As the title infers, the monochromatic painting, ‘Roots of Inspiration’ lays bare the sources of inspiration and the meditative forces that inspire an individual to make progress in life. The metaphorical rendition of forms draws analogy from the healing attributes of Cassia tora roots with the well-being of Nigerians. The background of both sides of the picture plane is composed of dark brown hues. But at the middle of the composition there are linear forms made of lighter tones of yellow and brown colours. At the top centre, the circular nodes seem to be falling down through the brighter space; reminiscence of the falling of the gift of Manna from heaven. As such, ‘Roots of Inspiration’ is articulated as a metaphor for inspiration. 

 

 4.3 Digging for gold 

Plate XV: Digging for gold, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvass, 152 cm x 107 cm

. ‘Digging for Gold’ is a monochromatic painting of blue hues. The title is influenced by the researchers believe that the treasures of this world are hidden beneath the earth and one must dig deep to find them. It is composed of multiple elements of Cassia tora. The composition is filled with Cassia tora roots that are arranged concentrically in a trench-like structure. It is reminiscent of a mining shaft, dug by miners that are shovelling gold dust underground. The taproots from various radial axis across the picture plane tend to tie through their root tips. The branch roots spiral towards the central axis. The concentric and spiral arrangement arouse a sensation of centrifugal forces that tend to pull in the viewer into the deep whole beneath the earth. It also evokes a feeling of loss in a strange environment. The painting is rendered metaphorically, re-enacting the allegory of ‘Three feet from Gold’. It is a metaphor for perseverance and hope for future achievements. 

 

4.4 Fiesta and Forest of Wisdom Series of Paintings

‘Fiesta’ (Plate XVII) and Forest of Wisdom (Plates XVI and XVIII) series of paintings reference common themes about the societal happenings in Nigerians. The reference includes ‘variety is the spice of life’ (an allegory) and the New Yam festival, celebrated annually in Eastern Nigeria. The metaphorical rendition of root forms dwell on depth, cluster arrangement, movement, noise, space, time and crowd forms which resonates local melodies. ‘Forest of Wisdom’ and ‘Fiesta’ are visual voices that sing to labour; a labour that sings to the agricultural tradition of Nigerian farmers and the well-being of the nation.

In each painting, multiple Cassia tora root patterns are deployed to the picture plane. The metaphoric contents draw an analogy between the crowd forms and socio-cultural well-being of Nigerians. The picture plane is crowded by a variety of root patterns, which appear like a forest found in eastern Nigeria. The paintings reflect on the New Yam festival (Iri Ji Ohuru), held in some parts of Eastern Nigeria. ‘New Yam’ is celebrated annually in August at the beginning of harvest season. It is a cultural event that is characterised by a theatre of art forms, such as music, performance and folklores. The multiple root forms represent the celebrants and their spectators. Though ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Forest of Wisdom’ series of paintings share common thematic direction, there are some variations among the three paintings in terms of the rendition of root forms, choice of root components, colour combination, rendition of the time of the day and the sequence of events. The following three paintings are synopses of the events at the ‘New Yam’ festival. They are visual metaphors for unity, peace and progress.  

 

4.5 Forest of Wisdom

Plate XVI: Forest of Wisdom, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvass, 152 cm x 183 cm 

‘Forest of Wisdom’ is monochromatic painting composed of multiple Cassia tora root patterns and a background of yellow ochre and brown hues. The composition also relies on space, depth, light, time and crowd forms. The picture plane is crowded by a variety of Cassia tora root patterns, which appear like a forest. The crowd forms represent the villagers and their spectators. The dominance of yellow hues in the warm colour combination and the brightness of the composition is symbolic of early morning sunrise.  The nodes are completely eliminated from the composition. The absence of the nodes signifies that the village has been cleansed from all sorts of sins, restoring trust among the people. At this moment, there is peace, unity and excitement. And with the early morning sunrise the village is ready to celebrate. 

 

4.5 Fiesta 

Plate XVII: Fiesta, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvass, 120 cm x 150 cm

In ‘Fiesta’ the celebration is at climax. The dominance of red hues in this composition is symbolic of the hot afternoon weather in Nigeria. It is afternoon and the socio-cultural activities have shifted from the forest of wisdom to the village centre. It is hot and it is ‘New Yam’ Festival! The fiesta is now at full gear. Nodes are now introduced into the composition. The nodes enshrine the aspiration of the people. 

 

4.7 Forest of Wisdom II 

 

Plate XVIII: Forest of Wisdom II, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvas, 152 cm x 183 cm  

‘Forest of Wisdom II’ is the third painting chronicling the sequence of socio-cultural events at the New Yam festival. It is a monochromatic painting that dwells on depth, blue hues, space and time. The cool colours are symbolic of evening, serene environment and quietness. It is evening and most of the activities are over. ‘New Yam’ festival is still on, as epitomized by the crowded root forms, but not at full swing at this time of the day. It will soon be over for the activities. Nonetheless, the celebration continues tomorrow.