Odili Odita

Episode Seventeen features Odili Odita. He is an abstract painter whose work explores color both in the figurative historical context, and in the sociopolitical sense. He is best known for his large-scale canvases with kaleidoscopic patterns and vibrant hues, which he uses to reflect the human condition. Born in Nigeria and raised in the American Midwest, Odita’s work is also heavily inspired by a sense of dual identity, combining aspects of Western modernity with African culture. His practice speaks to a contrast of cultures and a desire to create something new from a set of distinct parts. In this sense, his paintings, like a stitched or quilted textile, are weavings from different spaces, times and various temperaments, which convey the complexity of culture, identity, and being.’ Odita has had several solo exhibitions in museums and institutions, has exhibited extensively in the United States and internationally and has been commissioned to paint many large-scale wall installations. Included are links to Odili Odita’s complete bio and many accomplishments. He is currently represented by the Jack Shainman Gallery, NYC. Please enjoy this reflective discussion about Art and Humanity. Photo credit: Jide Alakija https://jackshainman.com/viewing_room/odili_donald_odita_mirror https://www.odilidonaldodita.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odili_Donald_Odita https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamlehrer/2016/02/10/artist-odili-donald-odita-emphasizes-human-discrepancies-through-color-and-lines-at-jack-shainman/#3f3bca66d8ed https://hyperallergic.com/269432/painted-colors-in-conflicted-motion/