By Japhet Alakam

Life is all about transiting from one level to the order, and this is the philosophy young Stanley Dudu has imbibed. After participating in one solo and well over 25 group shows with several prizes and awards to his credit, 2003 Auchi Polytechnic trained artist is gradually moving to the next level as he exhibits his great level of dexterity in his second solo exhibition entitled Next Episode(The Sequel) an exhibition of charcoal drawings.

The one week show which is scheduled to open on December 6, at Alexis gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos and run till December 12 will feature about 55 works, all drawings.

Dudu who is described as one of the best sellers at Alexis gallery will as usual come up with his impressionistic manner of rendition in gray scales of figures of everyday occurrences which he captured in the last few years. But as part of his transition, he added some colours to some of the works.

His figurative expressions exude love and life. According to him, “the intimate private lives of women and children in southern interiors have always provided prolific source of subject material for my art more than any other inspiration.” Dexterously, he renders his narrative portrayals chiefly in charcoals, pastels, oils and acrylics, which he employs his inept use of chiaroscuro, lines, and sparing use of colors as an elemental instrument of style in capturing the very essence “ inspiring fleeting moments”.

Some of the works include ,Night market series, Nature stirs pleasure 1-2; Her source of joy; Blue bathcub; Shortfall after the rain;Exchange Arena night and day; A large family awaits super; Village kitchen; Wet day; The company 1-2, etc. A large family awaits dinner, which depicts a young father, mother and children, to him it is my expression about little children playing adult roles, mother preparing food, father reading newspaper which was turned upside down and the children playing waiting for the dinner. Another piece Wet day, shows the typical Lagos scene where a bus was meandering in the flood after a heavy downpour, while the Village Kitchen, brings the mind the typical village setting where two women are cooking outside with firewood.

A preview of the works displayed showed his impressionistic manner of rendition in gray scales, an attribute that has given him recognition that has made his works to be considered unique and refreshing.

Speaking about the artist,
Patty Chidiac, the Curator and Director of Alexis gallery disclosed that there has been a high level of professional touch in his works, “viewers will be delighted with the level of improvement in his works compared to how he was in his first outing.” She added.

The art promoting Alexis Galleries whic is promoting the artist is the sponsor, and supported by other art loving organisations like Leventis, Litho-Chrome The Homestores Ltd , Art Café, Veuve Clicquot, wazobia FM, Nigeria info and cool Fm, Wazobia TV, Cool TV, The Avenue Suites, Arra vineyards, ISN Internet Solutions Nigeria Limited.