For the third time, Thought Pyramid Art Centre proudly represents Nigeria at Art Expo New York 2025, reaffirming its position as a leading force in the global art scene. Under the visionary leadership of its Founder and Artistic Director, Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, we continue to showcase a dynamic mix of master and contemporary artists, bridging cultures and artistic expressions.
This year’s presentation at Booth S705, Pier 36, highlights the works of legendary Nigerian master artist Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya, alongside rising contemporary stars Oluwadamilare Madoti and Ebikaboere Okumbiri. Expanding its reach beyond national borders, the booth also features pieces by Nigerian artists in the diaspora, such as Rodney Asikhia, alongside internationally acclaimed visual artists, including Ghana’s Daniel Gyeki Gyan, British artist Alison Friend, and Puerto Rican talent Magaly Ohika.
As Art Expo New York runs from April 3rd to April 6th, 2025, Thought Pyramid’s participation marks another milestone in fostering artistic excellence and cultural exchange. Visit our booth to experience a curated selection of artworks that reflect both tradition and innovation in contemporary art.
Exhibiting Artists Bio:
Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya is a pioneering Nigerian artist and one of Africa’s most celebrated modernists. Born in 1932 in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Onobrakpeya has played a crucial role in the development of contemporary African art, blending indigenous aesthetics with modern techniques to create deeply symbolic and textured works.
Renowned for his mastery of printmaking, painting, and sculptural reliefs, Onobrakpeya has developed unique techniques such as deep etching, plastography, and additive plastocast, which have redefined artistic expression in Nigeria and beyond. His works explore themes of mythology, folklore, spirituality, and socio-political history, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Urhobo people.
A founding member of the Zaria Art Society (formed in the late 1950s), Onobrakpeya was instrumental in the “Zaria Rebels” movement, advocating for a synthesis of traditional African art with contemporary approaches—what is now known as “Natural Synthesis.” His groundbreaking contributions have earned him international recognition, including exhibitions in major museums and biennales worldwide.
Throughout his career spanning over six decades, Onobrakpeya has received numerous prestigious awards, including the UNESCO Living Human Treasure Award and Nigeria’s
National Order of Merit for the Arts. His influence extends beyond his art, as he has mentored generations of artists through the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation, fostering artistic education and cultural preservation.
Onobrakpeya’s work remains a testament to the power of African visual storytelling, bridging tradition and modernity in a way that continues to inspire global audiences.
Daniel Gyekyi Gyan, born in 1992 in Accra, Ghana, is a contemporary artist celebrated for his evocative portrayals of human subjects. He discovered his passion for art early in life and pursued formal education at Salem Senior High School in Accra. To further refine his skills, he attended the renowned Ghanatta College of Art and Design, graduating in 2008 alongside notable artists such as Amoako Boafo.
Gyan’s artistic approach involves the use of acrylic paint and modeling paste, applied with a palette knife to create intricate strokes that add depth and texture to his work. His paintings often feature models, cultural themes, children, and aspects of social life, capturing the essence of his society with warmth, honesty, and raw energy.
Currently living and working in Accra, Gyan continues to communicate with his community through his contemporary paintings, focusing on themes such as models, culture, children, and social life.
Gyan’s work has been featured in key galleries and museums, including the Gordon Gallery Now / collection, Luca Gargano Collection, Kevin Juin Collection and Ed2Collective.
- Alison Friend (b. 1973, UK)-
Alison Friend is a British artist known for her whimsical, anthropomorphic animal portraits. A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Fine Art and Printmaking, she holds the distinction of being the first female stonemason for the City of Nottingham. As an accomplished children’s book illustrator, Alison has illustrated over twenty books to date for notable publishers, including Harper Collins, Nosy Crow, Hodder Children’s, Templar, Usbourne, Little Tiger Press, Alfred Knopf, and most recently, Artisan.
Friend’s oil paintings combine the timeless techniques of the Old Masters with a playful contemporary twist, capturing the human-like antics of cats and dogs. Her distinctive style has garnered widespread acclaim, leading to exhibitions across the United Kingdom, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, with exhibits at the British Art Fair, Context, Manchester Art Fair, Royal Watercolour Society, and Outsider Art Fair.
Alison lives in the Lake District with her son, where she continues to create whimsical yet masterfully crafted works that captivate collectors worldwide.
Oluwadamilare Madoti is a contemporary representational artist based in Lagos,
Nigeria, who earned a B. Eng in Civil Engineering and has honed his artistic skills
through practice and consistency. He is known for his representational art. Here’s a more detailed look at Madoti’s background and art:
Background: Madoti is a Nigerian artist who holds a Bachelor of Engineering in
Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Artistic Development: He is a self-taught artist who has developed his skills
through consistent practice and dedication.
Location: Madoti is based in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Art Style: He is known for his contemporary representational art.
Magaly Ohika is a Puerto Rican artist known for her whimsical and expressive mixed-media artwork. Her work blends elements of fantasy, folklore, and personal storytelling, often featuring enchanting female figures with emotive expressions. Inspired by her cultural heritage, childhood memories, and dreams, Magaly infuses her creations with a sense of magic and nostalgia.
Primarily working with acrylics, watercolors, and ink, she layers textures and colors to evoke a dreamlike quality in her pieces. Her art is a reflection of her deep connection to intuition and imagination, allowing viewers to explore narratives of empowerment, mystery, and wonder.
Through her distinctive style, Magaly Ohika has cultivated a dedicated following, sharing her work through social media, exhibitions, and commissioned pieces. Her creations invite audiences into a world where emotions and stories intertwine, leaving a lasting impression of beauty and depth.
Ebikaboere Okumbiri is a Nigerian visual artist whose work explores themes of identity, culture, and human expression. Working primarily with [mediums—e.g., charcoal, acrylic, oil, mixed media], she brings to life evocative portraits and dynamic compositions that celebrate the richness of African heritage.
Her artistic journey is deeply rooted in a passion for storytelling, using art as a bridge to connect past and present narratives. Inspired by the resilience of her people and the beauty of everyday moments, Okumbiri’s work captures emotions that transcend time and place.
Over the years, she has exhibited in [list exhibitions, if any] and her work has been collected by art enthusiasts both locally and internationally. Whether through intricate details or bold strokes, her art invites viewers into a space of reflection and cultural appreciation.
When she is not creating, Okumbiri actively engages in [mention any relevant activities—mentorship, workshops, collaborations], further cementing her role as an advocate for artistic expression in Nigeria and beyond.
Rodney Asikhia is a Nigerian visual artist known for his evocative and thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, history, and the human experience. Working primarily with [mediums—e.g., oil, acrylic, charcoal, mixed media], Asikhia’s art is a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, reflecting the complexities of African culture and storytelling.
His creative process is deeply intuitive, drawing inspiration from everyday life, folklore, and socio-political narratives. Through bold textures, intricate details, and expressive forms, he challenges perspectives and invites viewers into a dialogue about heritage, resilience, and transformation.
Asikhia has exhibited his works in [list exhibitions, if applicable], gaining recognition for his unique artistic voice. His pieces are part of private and public collections, and he continues to push creative boundaries through experimentation and innovation.
Beyond his studio practice, Asikhia is passionate about [mention any relevant contributions—mentorship, community engagement, artistic collaborations], using art as a tool for empowerment and cultural preservation.
