Osi Audu

Audu's visual language is characterized by geometric shapes and a palette dominated by monochromatic blacks, whites, greys, and primary colors. His exploration delves into both tangible and intangible aspects of the self and self-consciousness. Drawing inspiration from ancient Yoruba philosophies, Audu incorporates the idea that objects can contain, channel, and transform natural forces. The Yoruba concept of Ori Inu ("the inner head") plays a central role in his works, often presented as a series of "self-portraits," focusing on the head as a symbol of consciousness and self-awareness.

Biography of Osi Audu

Osi Audu, born in Nigeria in 1956, stands as a bridge between cultures, seamlessly weaving the rich traditions of Yoruba philosophy with modern Western artistic approaches. His academic journey began at the University of Ife (Nigeria), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with first-class honors in 1980. Audu further honed his craft at the University of Georgia in Athens (USA), securing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing in 1984. Later, in 1994, he earned a postgraduate certificate in education from the University of Kent in Canterbury (UK).

Having exhibited globally, including in Germany, Nigeria, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Audu's work has graced prestigious institutions such as the British Museum, the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African Art, and the Museo Di Palazzo Grimani during the Venice Biennale. In 2018, he received the Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant. Audu also contributes as a curator, organizing impactful exhibitions like "Abstract Minded: Works by Six Contemporary African Artists."

Audu's artistic footprint extends into numerous private and public collections, including the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African Art, the British Museum, the Horniman Museum, the Newark Museum, the Hood Museum, Iwalewa-Haus, and Nigeria's National Gallery. Currently residing in New York, Osi Audu continues to bridge cultural gaps through his expressions, fostering a dialogue that transcends borders and connects diverse artistic traditions.