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Profile of an Ebira Artist

Abiodun Anako was born in the Sixties in Okene, a provincial town in the North of Kogi State, Nigeria. The region with its rocky landscape and strong light became an enduring preoccupation of Anako an influence that can still be seen in his art. He can be considered as a member of the third generation of Oshogbo artists, having mastered a technique of drawing in pen and ink on an airbrushed background on ricepaper. The colourful result has a lyrical abstract quality that is both subtle and bold by turns.

As a painter Anako was slow to mature because of his Father's vehement opposition to his son's chosen career. To win through eventually and ultimately to achieve his goal bespeaks the quiet discipline that he was able to impose upon himself and a forceful resolution of character. He has since gone on to exhibit his work throughout Nigeria and abroad in the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada and United States. He was a participant in the October Gallery's Six African Artists exhibition in November 1993.

To contact the artist for prices and commissions, email anako3@yahoo.com or call +234 (0)803 340 8425 or +234 (0)2 752 6614

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