Phase-3: Nodal Forms

 Nodal Forms (Phase-3) consist of ‘Nodes of Inspiration’, ‘Gyrating Stars’ and ‘Reflections’ series of paintings (Plates IX - XII). The compositions were generated through various experiment with Cassia tora nodes and monochromatic backgrounds. In each composition, the picture plane is totalised by nodes, which are depicted with circles. The Cassia tora nodes are irregular in shape, brown in colour but in the following compositions, they are depicted as circles and replicate the background colour. This brings fluidity and the effect of motion to the monochromatic compositions. Sketchy impressions of the branch roots are added into some of the compositions to give a sense of direction to the nodal forms.

The Cassia tora nodal forms appear like circular bubbles. The forms and the monochromatic background spiral around each other.  Traditional references to perspective are eliminated, which lay bare various nodal forms in order to communicate deeper emotions. Contending on circles, Stefanovci and Lapusan (2009) postulate:

The life of a man is seen as a self-evolving circle, which from a ring imperceptibly small, rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles and that without end. There is no end in nature, but every end is a beginning. The heart refuses to be imprisoned; we have no enclosing walls, no circumference. We all stand waiting, empty, knowing that we can be full. Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations. The only valuable thing is not to submit to generalizations, to believe in the power

This statement is corroborated by Cassia tora nodes as they aid in sustaining the plant with nutrients in difficult weather, environment or time. Nodal forms are rendered as a metaphor of hope for a better life in Nigeria.

 

3.1 Nodes of inspiration 

 

Plate IX: Nodes of inspiration, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvas, 134 cm x 99 cm

The composition of ‘Nodes of Inspiration' is dominated by tones of yellow ochre and burnt sienna. Nodes are depicted with circles and oval shapes. The natural colour of Cassia tora roots is dark brown, but in this painting, the nodal forms replicate the monochromatic background. Sketchy impressions of the branch roots are added to the nodal forms to give a sense of direction to the root patterns. Yellow colour is a visual symbol for hope. The dominance of yellow in the visual space highlights the hope for the betterment of the well-being of Nigerians.

 

3.2 Nodes of inspiration II 

 

Plate X: Nodes of inspiration II, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvas, 86 cm x 144 cm

`           The composition of ‘Nodes of Inspiration is an extension of the creative ideas explored in the previous painting. The picture plane is dominated by nodal forms and a background made of yellow ochre, burnt sienna and grey hues. The jumble of forms in the composition create a sensation of motion. The crowd forms are reminiscent of the economic crisis currently experienced in Nigeria but the bubbles give the impression of hope for the resolution of the economic crisis.

3.3 Gyrating Stars 

Plate XI: Gyrating Stars, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvass, 137 cm x 107cm

The composition of ‘Gyrating Stars’ is different from the previous paintings as the nodes stand out from the background. The taproot and branch roots are completely eliminated from the composition, thereby freeing the nodal forms from the root pattern. The picture plane is filled with various sizes of nodes, depicted with various tones of alizarin crimson and yellow ochre. These warm colours enable the nodal forms to stand out from the negative space, portrayed in grey. The nodal forms give impression of stars gyrating in space.

3.4 Reflections 

Plate XII: Reflections, Stephen Achugwo ©2016, Oil on Canvass, 153 cm x 102 cm

 ‘Reflections’ follows the same thematic focus of hope. However, rigid lines are introduced in the composition. The outlines boost the effects of transparency, reflection and refraction. The lines also enhance the rhythm of the nodal forms.