“When we look inwards, we reconnect to our source of being, the matrix of all matter; we are open to the universe within. We just can't see it from the outside. We enter a state of subconscious subjection. Dormant powers come alive. We are inspired. Colors begin to flow in an alternating current like surge. Forms and movement in shifting transparent imagery begin to manifest. A juxtaposition of lines in endless form and space become visible beyond visual perception. The mind, soul, spirit and body are immersed in oneness and become a medium of expression like the trunk of a tree that transmits food from its roots to the crown. We begin to see from the mind’s eye truth, beauty, love, and peace in every stroke. Art is replenished, pure and free. To be inspired is to be in the spirit, a celebration of the universe within. It is an inspiration”. Felix Osiemi 2010
|
Nigerian born artist, Felix Osiemi graduated with several honors and awards from the famous Yaba College of Technology, School of Art and Design. He attracted international attention when he won the Bulgarian Embassy scholarship for outstanding academic excellence in 1983. Felix Osiemi is noted for his elongated transparent dance forms, and portrait paintings, some of which are on permanent display at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Nigeria. Osiemi currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A painter for over twenty three years, Felix Osiemi has consistently exhibited his works in private and public art galleries and museums regionally and internationally. Osiemi’s works are in numerous corporate, private and public collections in the United States and around the world. Some of his works are on display at the UBA Bank in New York, Presidential State House at Abuja in Nigeria, International Airports Nigeria, National Gallery of Modern Art Nigeria, Goethe Institute Germany. In addition his works have been published on a national as well as international basis. Publications include: “Who’s Who and Bibliography” at the National Museum of African Art Library at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.; “DECO Limited Iris Prints”, The New Haven Arts in Connecticut; The Times International Lagos; “ADEC Guide for Contemporary African Art” in Paris; Goethe Institute Germany, “Zeitgenosische Nigerianische Kunst” Germany; From the Atmospheric to the Transparent”: A Progressive View of Osiemi’s Art: MA thesis, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Osiemi has significantly contributed to the success of the distinguished Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia, with murals including, “Women of Jazz” at the famous Strawberry Mansion and “Dance Through The Ages” at the Hill Freedman School, both located in Philadelphia. Through city wide exposure with the mural arts program, Osiemi’s works have appeared in mass media with featured segments on “Living It Up with Patti Labelle” show on TV ONE and The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program documentary “Beautifying Schools, Transforming Lives”, The Art Institute of Philadelphia, WHYY TV.
|
Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria School of Art, Design and Printing H.N.D (BFA), Painting, 1979-1983
|
National Gallery of Modern Art, Lagos, Nigeria United Bank for Africa, New York Goethe Institute, Lagos, Nigeria Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria NIB Bank, Victoria Island, Nigeria State House, Abuja, Nigeria United Nations, New York International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria
|
Society of Nigerian Artists Award in Painting, 1983; Lintas Award for best painting student, 1983; Fasuyi Award in painting. 1983; Alumni Association Awards in painting, 1983; Bulgarian Scholarship Award, 1983; Gong Gallery Award in general art, 1981; Lintas Award in general art, 1981
|