Reuben Ugbine
Sculptor, 1956–2021.
Born in Anponya, Ghana, to Nigerian parents, he trained at Auchi Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology, taught at Auchi, and then worked full time in his studio.
Training
Reuben Ugbine was born on 24 November 1956 in Anponya, Ghana, to Nigerian parents. His interest in wood carving began at Warri Secondary School.
In 1976 he enrolled at Auchi Polytechnic, where he earned an Ordinary National Diploma and the Principal’s Prize for the overall best student. He then studied sculpture at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos and received a Higher National Diploma in 1979.
Teaching and studio
From 1980 to 1987 he was an instructor and lecturer at Auchi Polytechnic. He then left teaching to work full time in his studio. In 1987 he established the Creative Hands studio in Benin City, and in 1992 he held the solo exhibition Mixed Grill at the Russian Cultural Centre in Lagos. The British Museum’s record dates the start of his carving to 1982 and his full-time career to 1987. In all, his practice ran for more than forty years.
His materials were ebony and iroko, terracotta, stoneware and metal. He cut concave and convex forms into figures and masks, and his subject was everyday life in Nigeria. Titles in the catalogue include Athleticism, Dancer, Acrobat, Lovers and Mother and Child.
Terracotta
From the early 1980s he also made figurative terracotta based on traditional Nigerian dress.
Exhibitions and collections
His solo exhibitions began at the National Museum, Benin City (1983) and the National Museum, Jos (August 1984). He showed in Nigeria, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Lebanon and the UK. Group shows included Transcending Boundaries at Aabru Art, London (2013), the ArtHouse Contemporary Auction (2018) and Material Times at Rele Gallery, Lagos (2019). In 2018 the British Museum acquired a painted terracotta tableau, Traditional hairdressing (museum number 2018,2026.1).
The Estate is still documenting his life and work. Karo Ugbine, one of his sons, leads that work. If you own a piece, or hold a photograph or record, please tell us.
- Born
- 24 November 1956, Anponya, Ghana
- Died
- 2021
- Trained
- Auchi Polytechnic (OND, 1976); Yaba College of Technology (HND Sculpture, 1979)
- Taught
- Auchi Polytechnic, 1980–1987
- Materials
- Ebony, iroko, terracotta, stoneware, metal
- Collections
- British Museum (acquired 2018)
- Member of
- Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA); Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA)
“I made it as a record for posterity: one of a variety of figurines showing different aspects of social life …”
Reuben Ugbine, on Traditional hairdressing, in an interview recorded by the British Museum, 1 September 2018 · Read the record
Three works to begin with.
Ask about a work.
The Estate can tell you about provenance, condition and availability, and arrange a viewing at the gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos.
