Sisi Gorimampa Series

vol i: “afia”(marketplace)

24”X30” Acrylic painting on canvas

status: sold! (Liverpool, uK)

“Sisi Gorimampa” translates loosely from Yoruba to English as “bald sexy woman”. This work of art was originally commissioned by my sister Dr Uju Oyolu who lives in Southport, United Kingdom. Attending many festivals and weddings while growing up in Nigeria, I was exposed to many female traditional dance groups. The ease with which they moved their full and curvaceous bodies obviously left an impact on me. This piece depicts a scene that I have witnessed many times in my life of the working women of my country chatting with each other as they made their way to the market early each morning to trade provisions of all sorts.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol II: “Asili”(gossip)

24”X30” Acrylic painting on canvas

status: available

Scene two of this series depicts the second most “indulged in” activity at the local marketplaces of my childhood - gossip, or what is playfully referred to as “asili” in my native language. It seemed that extremely animated conversations at the marketplace were the vehicles through which everyone learned about everyone else's business. I remember hiding under tables at the local markets so that I could effectively eavesdrop on the conversations folks were having as they set up their stalls each morning. Although I was too young to fully understand what those conversations really meant at the time, I was more interested in the emotive gestures that came through those animated conversations.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol III - “ENU IGWE”(heaven)

24”X30” Acrylic painting on canvas

status: available

At the close of each market day in my local Ikeja township in Lagos, it was customary for each trader to dismantle their stalls, and stow away their goods for the next day. I can remember noticing the palpable feeling of lightness amongst the trading women in the local market scene as the stress of haggling prices and staying vigilant to ward off petty thieves dissipated as the day drew to a close. Volume III of this series embodies that feeling of lightness displayed on trader’s faces at the end of each trading day.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol IV - “egwu”(dance)

24”X30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: available

After all the buying, selling, and gossiping was done and everyone had left the market scene for the day, the women in my local township would usually get together for more socializing. Often times, these social gatherings would break out into full on dance parties much to my bemusement as a little kid. Volume IV is a snapshot of some of the elegantly flowing dance moves as I remember them.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol V - “ekene dili chukwu”(Thank god)

24”X30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: sold! (burlingame, ca)

The literal english translation of the title of this piece is “thanks be to God”. Nigeria is a country big on religion and it was often the norm for my mother and sisters to engage in prayer after the day was over. The spirituality of the women at home was streets ahead of any other race or culture that I have seen since… even with all my travel and relocation to a different country. This particular piece was purchased by a good friend and customer who lives in the city of Burlingame in Northern California.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol VI - “Ogodo Anyasi”(evening gown)

24”X30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: available

Scene 6 of the Sisi series is called "Ogodo Anyasi" which translates from my native Igbo to English as "Evening Gown". The idea for this piece literally came out of one of my meditation sessions. I got up hearing "evening gown" and just went for it. About a month later, this piece of colorful art showed up on the canvas. Upon completion, it served as a very vivid reminder of the evening gowns my mom, sisters, cousins, and other ladies would wear at banquets and other functions back home. Thinking back now, I'm wondering how the heck we were all able to wear three piece suits and evening gowns in that sweltering heat. The price of beauty is indeed high I guess ;-). These series of paintings are inspired by my three sisters: Obianama, Obianuju, and Ngozichukwuka. 

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

vol VII - “Ashoebi”(uniform)

24” X 30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: SOLD! (ALAMEDA, CA)

Scene 7 of the Sisi series is called "Ashoebi" which refers to a particular type of outfit or style of clothing worn during many public functions in my Native Nigeria. During my youth, I went to many a traditional wedding in which my sisters and cousins would wear outfits all made from the same fabric which bore a distinct pattern. These garments were known as “Ashoebi” which is basically code for “we all created clothing from the same base material with a particular design”. Men and Women alike would gear up in Ashoebi for weddings on continuous loop which seemed to take place each weekend.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol VIII - “oga maddam”(boss lady)

24”X30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: available

Scene 8 of the Sisi series is called "Oga Maddam" which translates from my native Igbo to English as "Boss Lady". Many of the women back home engage in trading goods and services in local kiosks and stores that they've built through the pervasive entrepreneurial spirit amongst my people. My eldest sister Obianama actually owns and actively runs a few stores in the Financial capital of Nigeria: Lagos. My sister Obianama serves as the inspiration for this piece.

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol IX - “IGWU MMili”(swimmers)

24”X30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: available

Scene 9 of the Sisi series is called "Igwu Mmili" which means "swimming" or "to swim" in English. I grew up in the city of Lagos which is on the southwestern coast of Nigeria. Lagos is a beautiful city which features a lot of beautiful beaches. Spending an entire weekend afternoon at the beach was one of the most popular leisure activities that I can remember from my youth. This piece shows the sisters all geared up for a leisurely afternoon of fun at the beach!

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.

Vol X - “Isi nni”(In the kitchen)

24”X30” Acrylic Painting on Canvas

status: available

Scene 10 of the Sisi series is called "Isi Nni" which translates from my native Igbo to English as "Cooking" or "In the kitchen". I could tell a whole long story about this, but the simple fact is that my sisters fed me for most of my childhood and this is a piece honoring that!

Without Wax
Chuba Oyolu Ph.D.