Today, we remember the late Zinno Orara, who would have celebrated his 59th birthday. A soft-spoken, humble, and passionate artist, Zinno was known for his warm smile and his profound impact on the Nigerian art scene.
Although his life was cut short in June 2024, his legacy lives on through his remarkable works and the fond memories cherished by those who knew him. In this tribute, Netng spoke with some of his friends and former colleagues, who shared heartfelt reflections on the life and artistry of a man who touched so many lives.
Zinno Orara wasn’t just an artist; he was a force, a quiet yet electrifying presence who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s contemporary art scene. When he passed on June 26, he left behind not only a portfolio rich with textured hues of blue, yellow, and brown, and a family he loved very much, but also a legacy that speaks to his dedication, innovation, and community spirit.
His career journey began with a fierce clarity of purpose. Born on November 17, 1965, he excelled early, graduating as a top student from the Arts department of Auchi Polytechnic, where he mastered the subtle interplay of colours and textures that would define his work.
Forgoing the expected career paths of trained artists that many of his contemporaries followed, he dove straight into studio practice, driven by what he described as an “overriding passion” for his craft.
“I was among the first generation of artists that dared Studio practice…. It was just passion-driven!,” Zinno Orara said.
His distinctive technique and palette earned him a reputation for works that were instantly recognizable—a rare feat in the art world, where many struggle for such signature styles.
His love for textured surfaces over canvas, and his favouritism of blue and yellow and brown hues gave his works a distinction. Zinno Orara chose his tools based on how he felt, he was not afraid to challenge the norm, to break the cycle and to forge a path for himself.
Toni Kan, a renowned writer had this to say about Zinno; “He had a signature; whenever you saw a painting by Zinno Orara, you would recognize his work,” and it’s hard for artists to do that because it takes years of mastery to achieve this.
From his first major exhibition at the Didi Museum in 1991 to the last one at Mydri Gallery in 2024, Zinno’s work shows a similarity with continuous improvement. He was not shy to admit to Toni that there is a familiarity in his works.
“If there’s no connection between my works of yesterday and those of today, then there’s a problem… There must be a connection or link even when we metamorphose from one stage to another. Great things don’t change. They just get better and better,” Zinno Orara said.
His colleagues paint a picture of a compassionate, thoughtful figure who was always ready to share his knowledge. Duke Ashidere notes that Zinno Orara’s passion wasn’t confined to his canvases; he wanted to uplift his peers, ensuring that Nigeria’s contemporary art scene grew in talent and recognition.
Zinno was a very gentle and peaceful person, he had the erratic energy a lot of artists have and he did his work to the best of his ability but he wanted everyone to shine,” he says.
Olu Ajayi crossed paths with Zinno Orara when they were students at the Auchi Polytechnic but did not particularly interact until they were practising contemporary arts and became members of the Guild of Professional Artists says, “his concern for colleagues and the environment was touching but he was always very realistic.
His generosity extended beyond mentorship. As a pioneer of the Nigerian Guild of Professional Artists, Orara laid the groundwork for countless young artists, offering them both practical guidance and emotional support.
Edosa Oguigo, a fellow artist who got to know Zinno Orara better in 2008 when he was the president of the Nigerian Guild of Professional Artists was impressed with his desire to see everyone succeed, “He wanted all his colleagues to practice contemporary arts in a way that stands us out,” he says.
Toni Kan who was not a direct colleague echoes the same thoughts, describing his late friend as “a chilled guy.” He was a big brother to everyone who met him, and always so thoughtful. Ayeni (Adekunle) used to hang out with him when he was a kid and Zinno was already an acclaimed artist. Ayeni Adekunle (Netng’s publisher) has described Zinno’s coolness in this piece.
Edosa Oguigo says “He was always impeccably dressed and always had a smile on his face. When he spoke about his family, it was obvious that he was a loving and passionate man.
Despite his professional triumphs and caring nature, Zinno Orara’s life was marked by profound personal challenges, particularly during his wife Adaora’s battle with cancer. In 2010, he took a step back from his work to care for her, later honouring her through his deeply moving exhibition “Against All Odds,” a tribute to her resilience and a testament to his love.
Dr Newton Jibunoh, curator of Didi Museum says Zinno always felt indebted to Didi Museum for giving him his first break but he disagrees. “He mentioned it more than once, that Didi museum gave him his big break, but his exhibition was groundbreaking for Didi Museum as well. It expanded our outlook and how we were viewed, He also attended other artists exhibition and was ready to show up whenever the museum called.”
Orara’s impact is felt far beyond his works, which continue to inspire, adorn, and elevate spaces across Africa, Europe, and the United States.
He leaves behind a legacy of artistic mastery and an enduring reminder of the power of purpose, passion, and community. His story is not just about art but about the courage to remain authentic and dedicated to one’s calling, regardless of the challenges.
