ZINNO ORARA
BIOGRAPHY
Zinno Akpoghene Orara was a respected and highly talented Nigerian visual artist, known for his calm presence and deep, thoughtful artworks. Born on November 17, 1965, in Bendel State, Zinno grew up with a strong interest in art and philosophy. He attended Government College in Ughelli and later studied at Auchi Polytechnic, where he graduated top of his class in Painting and Illustration in 1988. In addition to his art background, he also held a degree in Philosophy, which later influenced his artistic themes and style.
After graduating, Zinno chose a path that was not very common at the time—he became a full-time studio artist. While many of his peers went into teaching, cartooning, or advertising, Zinno stayed focused on developing his unique style and voice through painting. His first solo exhibition, titled Metamorphosis, was held in 1991 at Didi Museum in Lagos, just three years after leaving school. Over the years, he held more than 12 solo exhibitions and participated in over 20 group shows, both within Nigeria and internationally, in countries such as South Africa, Germany, Sweden, Spain, the UK, USA, and Canada.
Zinno Orara’s artworks were easy to recognize. He often used a mix of soft blues, yellows, and browns, with layers of jute (a kind of rough fabric) added to his canvas to create texture. His paintings were not loud or dramatic, but they had a quiet strength. Many of his works invited viewers to reflect and think deeply. He often said, “I’m just a vessel,” showing that he believed his art had a spiritual or deeper purpose. One of his notable works, Injustice (1994), showed how he used art to express social issues in thoughtful and symbolic ways.
His calm personality and passion for teaching also made him a mentor to many younger artists. He was a respected member of the Nigerian Guild of Professional Artists and was known for helping others grow. Despite his success, he remained humble and focused on sharing meaningful stories through his art.
Zinno also expressed his personal life through his work. After losing his first wife, Adaora, to cancer, he created an exhibition titled Against All Odds as a tribute to her strength and courage.
His last exhibition, Refreshing Dialogue, was held in Lagos in May 2024, just a few weeks before he passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 58. His death was sudden and came as a shock to the art community. Fellow artists and collectors described him as a “painter of philosophy” and “a gentleman of quiet brilliance.”
Zinno Orara left behind more than just paintings. He left a legacy of calm, thought-provoking art that encouraged people to pause, reflect, and look deeper—not just at the world, but at themselves. His dedication, humility, and honesty in his work continue to inspire artists across Nigeria and beyond.
