Photographer: J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere (1930-2014).
Title: Onile Gogoro or Akaba.
Date: 1975 (printed in 2000).
Country: Nigeria.
Medium: gelatin silver print.
Size: image 60 x 50,5 cm (framed 66,1 x 56,5 cm)
Condition: very good.
Reference: JDOOIV1115/1.
Provenance:
Gallery Fifty One, Antwerp.
Private collection, Belgium, 2000.
Literature: J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, Photographs, André Magnin, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain & Scalo, p. 149.
Extra: blindstamped signature, signed and dated (26-01-2000) in ink and stamped photographer's copyright credit on the recto. Framed by Mertens Frames Brussels in 2000.
The name of the hairstyle 'Onile Gogoro or Akaba' refers to a tall building or ladder. This style is worn by all for special society events.
J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere was a photographer whose photo-documentaries of Nigerian hairstyles became world famous. Tightly coiled ropes, plaits and braids - he shot them all with systematic precision and from multiple angles. From the late 1960's, he walked the streets of Lagos, ducking into parties, offices and salons to record one of the country's greatest artforms: the sculpture of hair. 'Okhai Ojeikere's Hairstyle series is considered an anthropological treasure.
His work has been shown at exhibitions around the world, including the Venice Biennale, Documenta and Tate Modern.