Nigeria
Born in: 1960
Sculpture and Sketching
Emma Mbanefo was born in 1960 in Jos, Plateau State. Mbanefo began his professional training in 1980, under the tutelage of Onitsha based carver, Mr. Michael Orji of the Orajis carvers, based in Onitsha, Anambra State. He later enrolled at Auchi Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State in 1982, where he obtained the National Certificate in Education in Fine Arts, majoring in sculpture and textiles, and a Certificate of Excellence in 1985. Mbanefo opened his visual art studio in Onitsha in 1986, while he also taught art at the Okpari Grammar School, Okpari Waterside, Ughelli, Delta state. In the same that he married Ekwy Genevieve nee Menkiti (their children are Ikechukwu, Obiamaka, Emeka and Ifeyinwa).
Exhibitions
Over the years, Mbanefo has developed a reputation for producing bold and imaginative works. During the practice of several decades, he has had close working contact with such masters as Ben Enwonwu, Ben Osawe, Okpu Eze, and Bruce Onobrakpeya. Mbanefo’s works can be found in public spaces and in private collections within and outside Nigeria. Emma Mbanefo has participated in numerous exhibitions and high profile commissions, he has also been awarded numerous honors. Some of his exhibitions, commissions and honors are listed below:
1. In 1988, he built the impressive statue of Sgt. Egbunike and Monsignor Obelagu, commissioned by Nnanyelugo Jas Egbunike, and in the same year also built the statue of Chief Nkwocha Okonkwo (Obudulu), commissioned by Chief R.O. Nkwocha (Ide of Enugwu-Ukwu and Umu Nri); and thereafter meeting with Ben Enwonwu at his Ikoyi residence for the first time in the company of Nnanyelugo Jas Egbunike.
2. Also in 1988, Mbanefo is named Creative Director for Pablo Best Limited Lagos; builds the Eko Doctor for Eko Hospital Ikeja; builds the statues of military Heads of State for Okada Wonderland, and a year later in 1989, is involved in the first group exhibition (Vision for Excellence), in Lagos.
3. In 1991, Mbanefo organized the first art exhibition for the young and budding artists in Onitsha at the Ime Obi Onitsha, “Onitsha Mythologies”, in honor of distinguished pioneering officials of Total Nigeria Limited in Onitsha. Messrs J.C. La Page and J.C. Boilon (sponsored by P.O Balonwu, SAN, while in 1992, built and mounted the statue of Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony at Ikeja.
4. In 1995, he built the Obi Uruagu-Nnewi sculptures in Nnewi in Anambra State (Commissioned); the Independence Anniversary Exhibition (SNA) in Joedon shopping mall, Onitsha and the Independence Anniversary exhibition SNA exhibition, Onitsha Sports Club, Onitsha.
5. In 1998, he holds the “Flower in the desert” exhibition at the Minata Gallery Ikoyi, Lagos; he exhibits at the “MUSON First Festival Art Exhibition”, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos in 1999; the “MUSON Festival Art Exhibition”, MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos in 2000; “Voices”, at the Nimbus Art Centre acquisition; he wins the Architectural sculpture commission by Chike Nwagbogu in Lagos, and the Artistic furniture commissioned by Nn’emeka Maduegbuna in Onitsha in 2001.
6. In 2002, he holds the “Changing Attitudes” exhibition during the 4th PACA Biennial exhibition at Pendulum Art Gallery; the crown of the 21st Obi of Onitsha commissioned by His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe in 2003; the “Olokoto, Songs of Chima”, premier exhibition of Onitsha Ado artists at Pendulum Art Gallery Lagos in 2004. He also commences the development of artistic art as a stock instrument in 2005 at “Nigeriatude” Pendulum art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos. In 2007 he participates in the Modern and contemporary art “Auction” of Art House Contemporary Limited.
7. In 2008, he participates at the “Moulding Matters” exhibition at the Pan African University of Ajah in Lagos; Moments and Movement (Things Fall Apart) is commissioned in 2009; he is at the “Art Expo” of Pendulum Art Gallery at the National Museum in Onikan Lagos Passes through the training faculty of “Development Initiative Network” led by its founder/executive director Bola Fajemirokun PhD (supported by the Ford Foundation) and he also earns the certificate of participation in the following: Art law, Elements of risk management and insurance for artists, Principles and practice of copyrights and trademarks.
8. In 2010, he holds the “Things Fall Apart” illustrated exhibition at Terra Kulture, Lagos; the “International Art Expo” Treasure House Fine Art, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos., “Thresholds” Protea Hotel Ikoyi, West Wood, Lagos; 2011: “Nka” (images in original languages) private saloon; he passes through the training faculty of “Development Initiative Network” and obtains a certificate of participation in Creative Enterprise Master Class.