Bassey Effiong Ndon is a young artist (and a minister) who hails from Nigeria's southeast. A graduate of the University of Uyo, he is a painter and digital artist who draws on traditional subjects--including some references to the graphic imagery of Cross Rivers' nsibidi and Igbo uli body painting--and infuses them with a modernistic style.
Some aspects of his work are reminiscent of Inyang Ema, the late painter and set designer also from southeastern Nigeria. Like many other African academic artists, he draws inspiration from dancers, musicians, and religious figures--a romanticism with intense colors that recalls the past through a gauzy filter.
Abang Dancers (2007)
The Efik and Ibibio bring out the Abang dancers at the beginning of marriage festivities. The graceful sway of the wrappers, suspended horizontally from a flattened circle, draws the eye into the work, the diagonal strips of the wrapper--repeated in the background--create a rhythmic repetition that recalls the dance's steps.
Ovation (2006)
The elongated female forms reach upward over mystical symbols. Ndon states that ovation is given to whom ovation is due. The work honors the Creator.
Drummers Enterprise (2006)
Resonating drums are the inspiration, but are referred to only abstractly. A continental map lays on its side, the heart of the heartbeat that drives exultation and communication.
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