The shocking death of the celebrated artist, Nsikak Essien, last week is still generating reactions as many of those whose lives he impacted have continued to pay tribute to him.
One of such tributes came from Nnamdi Okonkwo, one of the students of the master painter who attributed his success and that of his friends to the legendary talent of Essien.
“Quite a few of my friends and I won’t be artists today without this guy. As giants go, there’s none greater, in the way he fired up our young minds, not by his words, but by the sheer grandeur of his God-given ability. To us then, and I still happen to feel the same way today, if God came down disguised as an artist, His name would be Nsikak. I believe there’s a special place for you above, Nsikak, earned not just by your legendary talent, but also by your generosity of spirit. Occupy it with the same mastery with which you wielded a pencil and paintbrush! And thanks for the inspiration!” Okonkwo’s tribute read.
Similarly, Ikeddy Isiguzo, a former Chairman, Editorial Board of Vanguard newspaper, spoke glowingly about the departed artist and tutor.
“Essien earned every bit of the high marks that came his way. Everyone knew him by reputation. IMT had retained him for his NYSC program. The very ground he walked on might have as well sprouted masterpieces. He was well regarded even by many of us who knew next to nothing about arts” he penned.
Recall that the Society of Nigerian Artist, SNA to which Nsikak belonged announced the death of celebrated artist last week.
“We have sadly lost a celebrated artist, Nsikak Essien. A largely experimental artist, he is well known for his mixed media work. Essien graduated from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu in 1979 with a distinction in painting and as the Best Overall Graduate. Born in 1957, he retired from lecturing at his alma mater in 1991 to concentrate on full – time studio practice” the statement from Dr. Chidimma Nwankwo, National Publicity Secretary of SNA reads.
Essien, 63, was a founding member of the famous AKA Circle of Exhibiting Artists which included other renowned men such as El Anatsui, Bona Ezeudu, Obiora Anidi, and the late great Okpu Eze, among others.
He studied art at the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu, graduating with Distinction in Painting as Best Overall Graduate and winner of the Fasuyi Best National Art Graduate in Painting in 1979.
