Money

Gbenga Offo uses a mix of abstraction, naturalism and collage to delve into the concept of money, the love of it and how it is acquired. He appropriates cowries in combination with other forms of money from the ancient to the contemporary, to trace Nigeria’s monetary evolution and development. His work has socio-economic and political undertones with newspapers and financial magazines banner heads pointing towards the subject. In an obvious twist, the artist explores the inherent evil in the desperate and negative ways by which people search for it. This desire often leads to the use of diabolical and mysterious measures to amass wealth and the influence that comes with it. A mixture of incoherent red and ochre colours with traditional symbols, suspended shillings and their positions on the canvas further mystifies the work and makes a connection to a society, immoral and corrupt.

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artiste Gbenga Offo Lagos, Nigeria

Upon resignation from his paid job, Gbenga devoted his time and energy to painting. The result of which is a unique build of works that has manifested in several solo and group exhibitions locally and internationally.Gbenga’s paintings are in public and corporate collections like the First Consultant Hospital, Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Presidential Lounge Murtala Mohammed International Airport, AFRINVEST Lagos, CASHCRAFT Lagos, SADIQ Oil Lagos, CACTUS Lagos and other numerous private collections.

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36" X 46" Inches Canvas size
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Gbenga Offo uses a mix of abstraction, naturalism and collage to delve into the concept of money, the love of it and how it is acquired.  He appropriates cowries in combination with other forms of money from the ancient to the contemporary, to trace Nigeria’s monetary evolution and development.  His work has socio-economic and political undertones with newspapers and financial magazines banner heads pointing towards the subject. In an obvious twist, the artist explores the inherent evil in the desperate and negative ways by which people search for it.  This desire often leads to the use of diabolical and mysterious measures to amass wealth and the influence that comes with it. A mixture of incoherent red and ochre colours with traditional symbols, suspended shillings and their positions on the canvas further mystifies the work and makes a connection to a society, immoral and corrupt.

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