Nigerian Artist Zinno Orara is dead. The Benin-born artist died June 25, at age 58.
Born Zinno Akpoghene Orara in Benin City, in 1965, he attended Government College, Ughelli, and the Auchi Polytechnic School of Art and Design. At 23, he graduated from higher institution, having specialized in painting and illustration.
Post graduating at the top of his class in 1988, he had his first exhibition at the Didi Museum, Lagos State, in 1991; and would go on to stage many shows at galleries and museums across the globe, till his last one ‘Refreshing Dialogue’ held last month in Lagos.
Identified as one of the most significant artists of his generation, Orara was a teacher, leader, and inspiration to many young artists around the world.
Though he loved his late first wife Adaora, he is survived by his second wife, Blessing Zino Orara, and his five children: Majiri, Chidera, Kesena, Princess and Karisma.
A statement signed by the eldest child, Majiri, reads “as we struggle to come to terms with this devastating loss. And we thank all of his friends, colleagues, fans and the media in Nigeria and elsewhere for the love, kindness and support now and in the coming days. We will provide details about his burial and other ceremonies in due time.”
