The art community in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the news of the death of one of the nation’s leading contemporary artists, Zinno Orara. He passed away on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 at the age of 58.
Born Zinno Akpoghene Orara on November 17, 1965, in Benin City. He attended Government College, Ughelli, and the School of Art and Design (Polytechnic), Auchi.
During his National Youth Service programme, he was involved in a national exhibition held in Abuja where the Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida encountered his eclectic pieces and advised him not to look for any white-collar job. That same advice came from many other people, fanning the embers of passion for the arts that he had nursed as a young child.
Mid-way into his secondary school education, he won a national prize in Fine Art. Later, he gained admission to the University of Benin to study Geography and Regional Planning which he didn’t. Instead, a friend of his at the Auchi Polytechnic persuaded him to come over to the Art school. Orara, who had made A1 in Fine Art, decided to sneak off with the friend. They found the Head of the Painting Department, Dr. Adejumo, who was intrigued by Orara’s old painting from secondary school days. He was offered an admission letter. Orara graduated as the best in his class with an unbeatable record set till date.
He graduated at age 23 in 1988, specialising in painting and illustration. He also holds a degree in philosophy.
Orara’s debut exhibition at the Didi Museum in Lagos in 1991. He staged hundreds of shows at galleries and museums around the world until his last exhibition, ‘Refreshing Dialogue’ in Lagos.
His works are exhibited all over Nigeria and overseas including South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain and the United States of America.
He was married to his first wife, Adaora, who battled cancer for nine years before her demise. Orara was devoted to his children, Majiri, Chidera, Kesena, Princess, and Karisma.
In the heat of trying to save his wife, he organised a charity exhibition at Mydrim Gallery in partnership with Black House Media in December 2014.
He is survived by his five children and his second wife, Blessing Zinno Orara.
The curator for his last show, Moses Ohiomokhare penned a heartfelt condolence message:
“He was a friend and I am broken. We only finished his exhibition in partnership with his friend of 40 years, Gab Awusa last month. A great soul has left the shores of this land.”
The CEO, BHM Group, Ayeni Adekunle, in a tribute message to the artist extolled his creative genius and character.
“Zinno Orara was a long-time supporter and beloved friend of the BHM family. While his eternally beautiful and inspiring works continue to adorn our homes and offices, his special talent and genius will be sorely missed by all.
“We pray that his soul will rest in peace and that God comforts and strengthens his family and friends during this difficult time.”
