About MOA

I have always loved art.  I started drawing and painting when I was about 6 years old, catching the attention of many of my elementary school teachers.  I continued to develop my talent during my high school studies, including informally apprenticing with my art instructors during this time.  After high school I studied at one of the most recognized colleges for art in my country, Auchi Poly, where I was able to deepen my understanding of fine art.  I eventually left college to come to this dream country and I have continued to paint & draw since my arrival.

I love to work with various media.  I am especially fond of ‘mixing things up’ and working outside of my comfort zone.  It keeps my work exciting and it challenges me creatively.  As an artist, I knew I needed to be different and I have never been afraid to push the envelope.

There came a point in my life when I knew that I had to pursue my artwork on a full time basis.  In 2001 I started my business, ODUWA ARTS, and set out to follow my dream of sharing my artwork with the world.  In establishing this company, it was also my intention to find & promote other artists whose work I enjoyed and believed in.  This is still a goal of mine and with time & continued dedication it will be realized.  With the current state of the economy, I felt it was best to shift my attention to remain purely focused on my own personal passion…creating innovative and intriguing art.  My business model needed to reflect this shift also.  ODUWA ARTS is evolving to reflect me, Marvin Obasogie Aimiuwu.  ODUWA ARTS is becoming MOA FINE ART.

Once I decided to pursue art on a full time basis, I wanted to create a piece that would simply convince people that I was serious about my art –I produced a multifaceted sculptural piece and called it OMEDA RESTORATION.

Over time, I have come to appreciate the batik dye process.  I decided that I needed to try my hands at it; I did my research, practiced and experimented with the technique to make it my own.  Whenever I encountered a problem, I found a way to imaginatively work around it.  My batik would definitely be different.  I incorporated my own original motifs & designs and used rich, bold, vivid colors.  Thus began my LIVING COLOR SERIES collection of works.

Several of my art pieces include frames that I have personally designed and individually hand-carved & handcrafted for each piece of art.  The artwork and it’s complementary custom frame become a one-of-a-kind creation in the truest sense.  I love the idea of recycling and using reclaimed materials for these custom art pieces and frames.  I am inspired by ‘found’ items every day and my frames are a testament to this.  I have incorporated reclaimed wooden fencing and hardware, for example, to create several of them.

I am honored to share with you that my work is being shown at the African American Museum in Dallas, Texas.  Exhibition dates are November 13, 2009 – May 31, 2010.

My work will be featured in the Winter 2009 edition of STUDIO VISIT MAGAZINE.  This publication is part of a series of juried artists’ catalogs that are distributed to art world professionals, including museum & gallery curators, fine art collectors & art aficionados through out the country.  Those featured in this publication are considered to be most innovative and creative artists.

Another recent honor of which I am proud to share is being named the Featured Artist of the 2009 Pan African Film and Art Festival in Los Angeles.

Art is not my only passion; I love helping & inspiring others.  My main goal as an artist is simple – I want to be the best at what I do.

MOA