Dodd Nkpa
Contemporary Artist
About the Speaker
Dodd Brown Nkpa, a contemporary Nigerian artist, hails from Jos, Plateau State, and was raised in Asuk-Oyet, Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State. Despite initially aspiring to become an attorney, his passion for art prevailed. Growing up, his father adorned their home with art, particularly terracotta vases, sparking his interest in the field.
Although Nkpa couldn't secure university admission initially, he pursued his artistic inclinations. After attending a college of arts and sciences and obtaining a Diploma Certificate in Law, he eventually enrolled in the University of Port Harcourt's Department of Fine Arts and Design. There, he focused on painting and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, refining his skills as a self-taught artist.
Nkpa draws inspiration for his paintings from a wide range of subjects, including politics, human segregation, marital relationships, and personal and historical experiences. He embraces experimentation, employing various mediums such as Ankara fabrics, newsprints, and paint on canvas to convey his ideas. This artistic versatility allows his work to evolve while maintaining its originality and distinctive style. Describing himself as a mixed-media artist, Nkpa has named one of his body of works "FABRICation" in homage to his use of fabrics as a medium. His narrative style varies from straightforward to allegorical, adding depth and intrigue to his artwork.