A Modern Twist On Tradition – A Review Of Ozo Ezeogu’s ‘Break The Kolanut’

Ozo Ezeogu, the comic book wizard who’s made waves in Nigeria and beyond, has stepped out of the panel and onto the canvas with his latest masterpiece, “Break the Kolanut.” With the echoes of The Holy Art Gallery’s recent exhibition (which held in London from July 19 – 28) still ringing, it’s high time we delved into Ozo Ezeogu’s exhibit.

Break the Kolanut by Ozo Ezeogu

This isn’t just another painting; it’s a statement, a masterclass in cultural storytelling wrapped in a contemporary aesthetic. Ozo’s got this mad skill for taking age-old traditions and infusing them with a fresh dose of modern swagger. It’s like he’s found a secret sauce to blend the past and the present, and Break the Kolanut is proof.

Visually, Break the Kolanut is a straight-up visual hit. It slams you like a freight train of surrealism with a splash of symbolism. The colors? Majestic! The palette is broody yet striking – the gold on the skin and that deep purple fabric pop against the dark backdrop, creating a dynamic and textured scene. The gold patches on the skin are brilliant, adding depth and celebrating the beauty of the subject’s vitiligo.

Ozo’s use of the mirror as a portal to another realm is a stroke of genius. The masked figure holding a skull, reminiscent of Eru – the iconic character Ozo cooked up with his brother Tobe – is straight-up eerie. The mask with its mysterious holes has you wondering what’s behind the reflection. It’s like a character from another world has wandered into our reality. And the skull? It’s a dark counterpoint to the vibrant colors, adding depth and complexity.

What really hits home is how this piece makes you think. The whole subject and reflection thing is deep. Ozo’s attention to detail is on point – the skin texture, the fabric, even the kolanuts. It’s like he’s inviting you to look closer.

And the kolanuts? What a brilliant way Ozo captures the essence of Nigerian culture. A classic touch symbolising Nigerian hospitality that brings warmth and community to the piece and grounds an otherwise ethereal scene in reality. It’s an invitation to follow the tradition and break the kola nuts.

But the dark vibe might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It could overshadow the other stuff Ozo’s trying to say. And the masked figure, while cool, might be a bit overused. Skulls and masks are a common theme in art about death, so it’s kinda expected. They’re classic symbols of mystery, but also a well-trodden path. Even the Ezeogu brothers have already explored this in their comic Eru.

A well hidden detail however that brings this piece full circle is the die resting comfortably between the eyes of the skull. If everything else symbolised death and mortality, this die triggers thoughts about luck and second chances.

The cultural significance of the kolanuts is undeniable. It anchors the surreal elements in a tangible reality. Yet, the overall dark tone might not resonate with everyone. The somber mood could potentially overshadow the more subtle themes the artist is exploring. A bit more interaction between the subject and the masked figure could have added an extra layer of complexity and intrigue.

“Break the Kolanut” is more than just a pretty picture. It’s a conversation starter. It makes you think about identity, tradition, and the complexities of the human experience. Ozo has challenged us to look at our culture in a new light.

One can’t help but wonder if the themes and imagery explored in this painting will find their way into Ozo’s comic book universe. It would be fascinating to see how these two art forms intersect and influence each other.

About the Reviewer: Kadi Tay

Kadi Tay is a vibrant voice in the world of African comics and digital art. As the co-founder and Editor in Chief of Squid Mag, he passionately explores and celebrates the rich tapestry of African storytelling. Kadi’s keen eye for detail and knack for engaging, conversational writing bring art and comics to life for readers around the globe.

Kadi has written notable articles and reviews such as “Chale Make We Talk Art: Colin Yesutor in Loud Silence Illustration Series,” “When Angels Fall — Agbara,” “Accra Neighbourhoods & How They Got Their Names,” and “From Gotham to Yaoundé: The Joker Gets a Pan-African Makeover in this DC x Zebra Comics Collaboration.” giving his unique take on matters about the Arts, Music and Culture.

When he’s not writing, Kadi enjoys diving into the latest graphic novels, supporting local artists, and championing the diverse voices that shape the world of African art and comics.

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