Contemplation, 2012

by Nnamdi Okonkwo

Sculpture : bronze 9 x 12 x 9 inch

Sold
Have a question? Ask a specialist

Free returns within 14 days

Authenticity guaranteed

Learn more
Paypal American Express Visa Mastercard

Verified Reviews

9.6/10

About the artwork

Type

Unique work

Signature

Hand-signed by artist

Authenticity

Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery

Invoice from the gallery


Medium

Dimensions cm inch

9 x 12 x 9 inch Height x Width x Depth

Display

The sculpture cannot be displayed outdoors


Artwork sold in perfect condition

Artwork location: United States

Bronze Sculpture with Patina. Lacquer.

Nnamdi Okowkwo's stylized seated woman in an attitude of tranquility. To create it, he first sculpts the figure in clay, then casts it in bronze using the lost wax technique. A hot patina is applied using compounds that are specifically formulated for bronze patination. The finished sculpture is sealed with clear lacquer. His ideas are embodied in fluid lines and simple shapes. It is a mode of expression that comes naturally to him, and it is straight to the point and devoid of pretension. Stylization also offers a greater avenue for the expression of universal themes and emotions. This allows him to broaden the scope of expression by transcending mere literal representation of the figure, provoking different thoughts and ideas, and giving the viewer an opportunity for introspection and contemplation.

Further, the big, rotund forms symbolize abundant life. It is an outward manifestation of a largeness of soul. The theme of womanhood is captivated by the noble characteristics which include: empathy, love, resilience, strength, etc., that are embodied in womanhood.
Read more

About the seller

Ai Bo Gallery • United States

Artsper seller since 2021

Vetted Seller

The Top Seller badge Top Seller


Collector’s Guide

Nnamdi Okonkwo

Nnamdi Okonkwo

Nigeria  • 1965

Born in Eastern Nigeria in 1965, Nnamdi is the first of three sons. He currently resides in Fayetteville, Georgia with his wife and three children.

Nnamdi has always been drawn to art his artistic sensibilities were best expressed in the three-dimensional art of sculpture. After obtaining a Degree in painting in Nigeria, basketball became the avenue for him to come to the United States. He was recruited by BYU-Hawaii where he played from 1989-1993 and graduated with a BFA in Sculpture.


Artist Statement

I was born in Eastern Nigeria in 1965. I am the first of three sons.

As far back as I can remember I have always been drawn to art. Later on, I realized that my artistic sensibilities were best expressed in the three-dimensional art of sculpture. Around this same time I was introduced to basketball, which suited me well as I am six feet nine inches tall. After obtaining a Degree in painting in Nigeria, basketball became the avenue for me to come to the United States. I was recruited by BYU-Hawaii where I played from 1989-1993 and graduated with a BFA in Sculpture. 

Immediately after that, I enrolled in the graduate program at BYU-Provo where I received an MFA degree in sculpture in 1997. While going to school in Provo, I met and married my wife, Deidra, who is from Idaho and graduated in 1996 with a Master of Accountancy. 

My work is represented in galleries across the country, and my large-scale monumental work can be seen in individual and public sculpture gardens as well.

The forms in my sculpture are simplified and stylized to better express my thoughts and ideas which are embodied in fluid lines and simple shapes. It is a mode of expression that comes naturally to me, and it is straight to the point and devoid of pretension. Stylization also offers a greater avenue for the expression of universal themes and emotions. This allows me to broaden the scope of expression by transcending mere literal representation of the figure, provoking different thoughts and ideas, and giving the viewer an opportunity for introspection and contemplation. 

One of the few guidelines that I follow is best exemplified in a statement made by Michelangelo which states: "Measurement should be in the eyes and not in the hands, for while the hand measures; it is the eye that judges." My proportions, therefore, are not based on any rigid principle, but rather are based on a personal ideal of beauty and balance. I want my figures to be more symbolic rather than literal copies of the human form. Thus in sculpture, my figures, instead of being confined to a model, become a symbol of humanity.

I also simplify my shapes to avoid distractions of any extraneous detail, which does not add to the beauty of the whole design. Attitudes, gestures, and overall composition are of primary importance to me. Detail, of course, has its place in sculpture, but I find that my ideal of beauty is more easily attained with simple lines and shapes, which convey my thoughts and ideas unshackled by detail. 

Further, the big, rotund forms symbolize abundant life. It is an outward manifestation of a largeness of soul.

Also prevalent in my sculpture is the theme of womanhood. I am captivated by the noble characteristics which include: empathy, love, resilience, strength, etc., that are embodied in womanhood. The women that are closest to me, my wife and my mother, have influenced me greatly and are exemplars of these noble attributes.

In my indigenous culture as well as in many cultures, womanhood is venerated. There is an understanding that women share, even in a small way, with the creator, the sacred act of giving life. Perhaps this understanding of the dignity of womanhood inspires me to seek to honor women in my sculpture.

I hope all will find in my work a source of inspiration to transcend the turmoil and unevenness of life. I also hope that my sculptures will be capable of eliciting strong emotional responses from the viewer regardless of his or her background or race.


Read more
Need help?

How does Artsper protect you?

Protect your purchase

We’re here to help you collect art securely. When you browse and buy on Artsper, you benefit from our guaranteed protections.

Buy works from the best galleries

We partner with the best art galleries. All sellers on Artsper have been carefully reviewed and approved by our team. All of our partner galleries respect our code of ethics.

Know what you’re getting

Each work on Artsper is studied and validated by our team before appearing online. Get personalized support Contemporary art specialists are available by phone and email to answer all of your questions about our works of art. Get personalized advice and curated suggestions for your collection.

Resell your artworks

As a private individual, you have the possibility to resell on Artsper your works acquired on Artsper. For more information click here.

 

Make an offer with Artsper

Negotiate prices

Price negotiation is possible. Like in a gallery, this allows you to open a discussion and purchase your works at your preferred price.

Get our help negotiating

Let our team handle the negotiations and get back to you once the best deal is made.

 

Order safely

Artsper’s satisfaction guarantee

With Artsper, you have the opportunity to return a work free of charge within 14 days of receipt if it does not suit you, for whatever reason. You will then receive a full refund for your order.

Protect your purchase with Artsper’s payment partners

All credit card payments are processed by Paybox, the trusted leader in payment processing for international businesses. Paybox ensures the highest level of security.

Get specialized support from Artsper in the event of a problem

On the rare occasion that a work of art arrives in a different condition than described, we will work to administer a return, refund, restoration or exchange for you. Our team will always keep you informed on the progress of your request and will go above and beyond to offer you personalized solutions.

To benefit from Artsper’s protections you must:

  • Place your order using one of Artsper's payment methods.

  • Report any issues to Artsper within one week of receiving your work.

  • Provide all requested photographic evidence of the problem (including the original artwork and packaging).

Artsper’s guarantee covers the following problems:

  • You receive a work that’s missing a described characteristic (such as a signature or a frame)

  • You receive a work with different characteristics than those described at the time of purchase

  • You receive a damaged piece of work

  • Your purchase is declared lost or damaged during transit

  • You receive a work that is a different in color than what you ordered

  • Your purchase is delayed

Why buy on Artsper?

Artsper gives you access to the largest catalog of contemporary artworks, from the best galleries (200,000 works, 25,000 artists, 2,000 partner galleries).

We select the galleries with which we collaborate. This demanding selection, operated by our team of experts, offers you several guarantees:

  • Double expertise regarding the quality and originality of the works. On the one hand by professional galleries that select their artists and works. On the other hand by Artsper which selects its partner galleries according to the quality of their catalog and their reputation.
  • Access to the entire catalog of works from our partner galleries, sold at the same price as in the gallery.
  • The possibility of returning purchased works (within 14 days) if they do not suit you, wherever you are in the world. Which is not the case outside Artsper.
  • The possibility of easily reselling the work you purchased on Artsper.

We also facilitate the search for works according to your preferences thanks to our intelligent features such as:

Or simply thanks to our filters on the catalog allowing you to refine your searches.

Our customer service is also at your service and responds within the shortest time!

Can I negotiate the price of an artwork?

For some artworks, you can negotiate the price. If the price of the work is negotiable, you have a “Make an offer” button under the “Buy this work” one.

To submit your offer, you must make a payment of the desired amount. Your offer will then be forwarded to the gallery, which reserves the right to accept or reject it. If your offer is accepted, it means that your order is confirmed by the gallery and they will prepare the artwork for shipment. If your offer is rejected, you will be refunded the total amount paid automatically. The gallery can also propose a counter-offer for the acquisition of the artwork.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: [email protected].

Where can I have my order delivered?

Artsper delivers worldwide!

However, please note that once your order reaches its destination, it may be subject to VAT or other customs fees. These charges are beyond our control and you will be responsible for paying them (this is indicated at the ‘checkout’ first step).

Select the delivery address of your choice. Please make sure that someone is present to receive your order.

If your billing address is different to your delivery address you can specify this at the checkout.

 

Why do I have to pay customs fees?

Return and cancellation

You can return the artwork without needing to provide a reason or pay a penalty fee up to 14 days after receiving your order.

In the case that the right of withdrawal is exercised in the aforementioned time frame, the price of the artwork(s) purchased and the shipping costs will be reimbursed by us as soon as the gallery has received the artwork and notified us.

Artsper will manage the return of the work and will bear the cost of returns (which will either be paid by you and refunded by Artsper or directly paid by Artsper).

The artwork must be returned in perfect condition and in its original packaging (or equivalent).

The buyer exercises his right of withdrawal directly from MUMART, by sending an email to the address: [email protected].

How can I best showcase my work?

If you have bought a painting, a sculpture or a work on paper, find expert advice on its conservation and how to best enhace it:

Go to the orders tab in my purchases to benefit from the exceptional discounts negotiated for you with our framing, pedestal and lighting partners...