By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor 

Early this year, a 2003 painting by Edosa Ogiugo, collected by Commissioner Rodney Ellis of the Harris County, Houston, Texas, in the United States, was adapted for a mural titled ‘Free Spirit’ on a 20 x 90 feet wall at the County’s Aquatic Centre. 

Fascinated by the original painting which depicted dancing Benin women, administrators of the Harris County wanted the painting replicated on a large wall in an open space. So, the creator of the original work, Edosa Ogiugo, was commissioned by the County and taken to Houston, U.S. to perform the delicate task.  

Narrating his experience in the project, Edosa Ogiugo said: “I kept my speed; I kept the energy. But the reality is when I get on that lift by 10 or 10.30am, I don’t come down till 3 or 4pm to have lunch. Then I got back and work till 7pm. That was the routine on a daily basis. There was a day I worked straight 8 hours!”

This is reminiscent of Leonardo Da Vinci, when he painted “The Last Supper” in the refectory of the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, between 1494 and 1499. A firsthand description of Leonardo at work by young Matteo Bandello, a novice at the monastery, is somewhat similar to Ogiugo’s narrated experience: 

“He (Leonardo Da Vinci) would arrive at an early hour,” Bandello recounted, “climb up onto the scaffolding, and start working. Sometimes he would stay there from dawn until sunset, not once setting down his brush, forgetting to eat or drink, and painting without cease…”

Describing his own Houston mural experience with Vanguard last week, Ogiugo said: “Free spirit is an adaptation of a painting I did 2003. It was acquired at a group exhibition in Pretoria, South Africa. I would say it’s a miracle because something I sold over 20 years ago (coming back) to take a life of its own is a miracle. 

“So, I was called from the U.S last year. I have a colleague, Bimbo Adenugba, who also works with Street Art for Mankind. He first hinted me and said, “Oga, your work is going to public space. The curator of Street Art for Mankind will reach you. 

“I said, but that work is in the collection of Commissioner Rodney Ellis. He said yes, that he has gracefully granted permission for it to be adapted for a mural. Incidentally, it was the same vicinity of his new office; that is Harris County, Hudson, Texas. There’s an aquatic centre there where there is a huge wall measuring 20 x 90 feet. 

Setting out to U.S for the job

“So, I was asked to come in August 2024. Everything was happening so quickly. I said to the guy, coming from Lagos to the U.S is not moi-moi (easy). He said don’t you have a current visa? I said no. so, we started the process. To the glory of God, I got an appointment for October, and by January 15 I was off to the U.S. I arrived 16th. By 17th I was already at the location in order to get used to the equipment. It was my first experience. Yes, I do large canvasses but not in that scale. 

“Thank God, Bimbo, who was already used to the equipment, was on ground. He did the orientation for me that day. Unfortunately, the place which they told me had the climate of Lagos changed dramatically. There was a snow storm. For two days or so I couldn’t work because it was an outdoor work. Fortunately the commissioner got me jackets, long Johns and other things to keep me warm and protect me from the harsh weather.

Expectation exceeded 

“Eventually I was told that I exceeded expectation. Instead of 10 days, I completed the job in 7 days.” He said he was immediately asked to start another one, but he couldn’t because he was stressed up, although he enjoyed every bit of it. 

“So ‘Free Spirit’, taken from one of my dancers’ celebration rejoicing series, is a group of Benin dancers, (adorned in) the typical costume for the Edo – coral beads, the hairdo, like the replica of the queen mother, etc. 

“The interesting thing for me is how it got relevant with that community. That’s the intriguing thing, because I was asking why they chose this particular one. But I think it is in the expression. Houston is made up of a mixed community. From records, the largest population of blacks in Hudson is that of Nigerians. So, ‘Free Spirit’ will resonate with not just the concept of inclusivity and multicultural environment, but also with indigenes of U.S. who can relate with the elements of the picture.” 

Inspiration behind the piece

Answering Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ question on what inspired the piece, Ogiugo said, “I grew up in the midst of these women. They may not be those particular women, but a typical Benin boy would go with the parents to ceremonies, and even during special occasions like the Igue festival which happens at the end of every year. You will see those beautiful, gorgeous women, well-costumed, come to do their dance.”

He advised that every artist should be true to themselves, and to what they do. “It’s not about staying too much in your comfort zone. Be sincere with what you do. Once you have honed your skills, be sincere. Paint from your heart. Don’t try to copy…as an artist, you need to know that you are gifted to project a unique selling point.” 

Free Spirit is part of a mural series themed Legacies Of Change in Harris County, Houston U.S., curated by Street Art for Mankind, celebrating the power of cultural diversity through dance. 

About Houston

With over 90 languages spoken, Houston is home to a multitude of ethnicities, reflected in local festivals that highlight music, art, dance, and theater from around the world. It serves as a reminder that diverse perspectives and values enrich collective efforts and help address challenges more effectively.

The mural, depicting Nigerian women dancing, captures the Nigerian artist’s signature modern impressionist style on an unprecedented scale. It highlights the free spirit, vibrant energy, and graceful movement of traditional dancers, echoing Edgar Degas’s famous ballerina paintings. This work is especially meaningful in Houston, which has a large population of African descent.

Houston is one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in America with a wide range of ethnicities and cultures, making it a hub for global influences and a city known for its inclusivity.

Houston has the largest Nigerian population outside of Nigeria. More than 40,000 Nigerians have moved to the Houston area in recent years, according to U.S. Census data, tripling the area’s Nigerian population. Between 2010 and 2021, the Nigerian population in the area grew from over 21,000 to nearly 64,000. They come for the low cost of living, the familiar climate, and stay for the welcoming environment. Nigerians love dance and music, and with that growth has come an explosion in the community’s music scene, especially the Afrobeat scene.

The mural is a tribute to the free spirit of the Nigerian community—their dance and their music in Nigeria as well as in Houston.