Iwalewa Gallery

Sam Ovraiti, 1961, Nigeria.

Sam Ovraiti, born in 1961 in Zaria, Kaduna State, is one of Nigeria's most renowned contemporary artists celebrated for his mastery of color, light, and expressive technique. He earned his HND from Auchi Polytechnic and MFA from the University of Benin. Between1985 and 1993, he lectured at Auchi Polytechnic, mentoring many young artists who now shape the Nigerian art scene....

Sam Ovraiti, born in 1961 in Zaria, Kaduna State, is one of Nigeria's most renowned contemporary artists celebrated for his mastery of color, light, and expressive technique. He earned his HND from Auchi Polytechnic and MFA from the University of Benin. Between1985 and 1993, he lectured at Auchi Polytechnic, mentoring many young artists who now shape the Nigerian art scene.
Deeply philosophical in his approach, Ovraiti's art reflects years of experimentation with color and light, inspired in part by his collaboration with Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya and his role as Artistic Director of the Harmattan Workshop.
Widely recognized as Nigeria's most expressive watercolorist, he popularized watercolor and chalk pastel in the 1980s before exploring oils and acrylics. His richly textured works blend Picasso's influence with Impressionist tones and his distinct vision. Ovraiti's numerous awards, retrospectives, and global exhibitions affirm his lasting impact on Nigerian art.

SAM OVRAITI's Artworks

Fluid Echoes, 2003

Sam Ovraiti

Two stylized fish drift in a sea of color and texture, their forms pulsing with abstract vitality. Bold strokes and vibrant hues evoke motion and emotion, blurring the line between nature and imagination.

Primal Harmony, 2003

Sam Ovraiti

A vibrant abstraction of animal forms, where cubist fragmentation meets expressive color. Earthy tones and dynamic brushwork conjure movement and mystery, inviting viewers to decode the wild rhythm beneath the surface.

A Timeless Encounter, 1999

Sam Ovraiti

This expansive and ethereal canvas invites viewers into an imagined world. The play of light and shadow, combined with subtle forms, creates a sense of profound memory and timeless, gentle introspection.

Echoes Of The Horizon, 1999

Sam Ovraiti

A contemplative landscape bathed in the soft glow of a vast sun. The sparse figures and animals underscore a feeling of profound quiet and a deep connection to the enduring and expansive natural world.

The Course Of Life Is Determined By The Set Of The Sail, 2019

Sam Ovraiti

A striking work that merges figurative and text art, capturing a profound truth. This piece is a visual meditation on personal agency and the power of intention, beautifully rendered within a human eye.

Journey Across Stillness, 2019

Sam Ovraiti

A serene landscape where a lone boat navigates a vast, tranquil expanse. The muted palette and minimalist composition evoke a powerful sense of solitude and the quiet resilience found in the journey.

The Quiet Unfolding, 1989

Sam Ovraiti

This intimate portrait captures a moment of serene vulnerability. The soft light and gentle textures convey a sense of peaceful quiet, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty found in moments of rest and contemplation.