The Sketch

Simon Obiekezie Okeke was a modern Nigerian painter and sculptor born in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra state in 1937. He obtained a Diploma in Fine Arts from the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (NCAST), Zaria in 1960 and was a founding member of the Zaria Art Society. He received further training at the British Museum, London, from 1961-1962. He also traveled and toured museums across Europe and America; was a curator at the National Museum, Lagos; served as a part-time lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos; and was also commissioned to design postage stamps and currency notes for the Government of the erstwhile Republic of Biafra in the 60s. His paintings explored themes on his Igbo culture and the African heritage in general, are held in private and public collections at home and abroad and have been widely exhibited since his death. He was also a founding member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).The Sketch is a drawing of a mother embracing and cuddling her child in her arms. The child seems to be sitting on the laps of her kneeling mother. Simon Okeke uses the uli style of representation to explore, as a theme, the unique bond between an African mother and her child, the tenderness and warmth normally found between both characters. Staring at the piece one might guess that both parties are in a joyful mood having looked for each other for a while.