Storytelling on canvas: Nigerian artist’s Wyandotte exhibit captures bright hues and mixed media style
Everyone’s life is a story in itself and artist Timothy Orikri, 50, of Detroit, brushes up on his daily. Habitually rising at 5 a.m., he starts creating his paintings of oil, acrylic, and whatever materials are at hand to reflect his perception of experiences and sensories surrounding him. He envisions the usefulness of a shoelace, cookies, fringe from an old sweater or tea bags and might literally add them into his one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Nigerian-born artist’s current exhibition, “Harmony: A Colorful Journey,” is on display through Feb. 20 at the Downriver Council for the Arts in Wyandotte. Coordinated through the efforts of Executive Director Tammy Trudelle, the exhibit showcases many of Orikri’s mixed-media style works and other pieces. Read the rest of the article here.
June 2015: Detroit Discussions: The Artistry of Timothy Orikri
In this edition of Detroit Discussions, nationally renowned aritst Timothy Orikri talks about his upcoming art exhibiton at the U-M Detroit Center. Topics include his early life and desire to be an artist, the impact Detroit has played on his life, what to expect when experiencing his work, and much more.
February 24, 2015: Exhibit brings African-inspired art to life in Taylor.
African-inspired art comes to life as artist Timothy Orikri presents his exhibit “Urban Beauty” through March 27 in the Brown and Juanita C. Ford Art Gallery at the Wayne County Community College District’s Downriver campus in Taylor. The show is one of many activities throughout the district to celebrate African American History Month. Read the entire article published on TheNewsHerald.com.
January 2, 2015: ALIVE TO THRIVE WITH BRENDA FRASER airs every Friday at 12 Noon Central. Join Brenda as she explores Art, Culture, and Creativity in an in-depth interview with internationally-known artist Timothy Orikri. Come explore what it means to be fully “ALIVE” and “THRIVING.”
Internationally renowned artist exhibits at downtown gallery
He’s got Detroit on his mind, and Detroiters have him on their minds. The work of Timothy Orikri is now showing at three different places in Detroit: at the Detroit Public Library’s Main Branch, at the Carr Center, and, starting last night, at the Start Gallery. >> Read the entire article published July 29, 2012, on Examiner.com.
February 2012 – Artist, Timothy Orikri, presents Ele’s Place Donor Relations Director, Lori Bosch, with a painting of a mother and child from his collection which is currently on display at Art Alley in Lansing. http://www.elesplace.org/news-and-events/calendar-events
Click Image for Interview
Giving Away Joy by Chris Harris ~ Southeast Missourian
“I met the most amazing man last Friday night. He spoke with passion, was driven toward his goals and dedicated to leading a meaningful life. Timothy Orikri exhibited his art at the Global Cafe the first two weeks in August and he won me over as a fan on First Friday. We ran the story of Orikri in SE Live July 29. His art was spectacular on the page, but in person it’s downright stunning. They make you stop and stare and look and think. And so does Orikri.” >> Read the entire article published August 12, 2011, here.
Artist Interview with Timothy Orikri
Orikri’s art is profound, expressive, and as with any living artist continually expanding. He adds significantly to the growth, relevance and visibility of contemporary world art, as well as enriches society with his contributions. Beyond his brilliant use of colors and forms, lie the subtleties that will cause you to linger and absorb what you see and feel. >> Read the entire article by Debbie Overton, published on July 28, 2010, here.
Must see current exhibit by Timothy Orikri
The paintings of Timothy Orikri bring light into darkness in his current exhibit at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. One just has to walk in the room to feel the energy generated by his brilliant use of color and form. From the juxtaposition of his native “Hip Dancers” to “Dancer’s Secret,” a painting of teenage girls in a ballet class, his native African roots and love for his new homeland, America, are evident with each brush stroke. As the City of Detroit struggles in these difficult times, his own struggles as an artist show through in his loving creation of a series of painting of Motown, vibrant and hopeful. >> Read the entire article published August 12, 2009, here.
Press Release: Iridescence, Color & Form, The Paintings of Timothy Orikri opens at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Friday, June 26, 2009. The exhibition will run through September 13, 2009. An Artist’s Reception will be held on Friday, July 10, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This exhibition presents the museum viewer with a wide range of subjects and images including Detroit cityscapes, dancers, nature, and a tribute to his brother Dan. Additionally, the viewer experiences Orikri’s timeless themes of hope, harmony and nature that are reflected in several of his works.
The Colours of Timothy Orikri
One of the benefits of belonging to various networking websites is that you come across individuals that probably wouldn’t cross your path otherwise. Such was the case when I discovered the art of Timothy Orikri while perusing a forum in a LinkedIn art group. >> Read the entire blog post published Saturday, May 2, 2009, by Wendy Campbell on Daily Artfixx.
Volunteer Spotlight – Timothy Orikri
From time to time, I like to highlight volunteers around southeastern Michigan who are doing things to empower our community. Most recently, Timothy Orikri graced a volunteer administration luncheon I attended with some fabulous paintings he created. Tim is an artist who not only creates multimedia art that inspires and fuels creativity but he is a dedicated volunteer who inspires the passion for art in children. >> Published Monday, October 6, 2008, on the SEMVOLUNTEERS blog by Tawanna Ward.
Candlelight vigil for MLK inspires wider appreciation
Nigerian artist Timothy Orikri, who lives now in Troy, spoke about his inspiration and work. Some of the artwork Orikri painted of King included full color on King’s face but otherwise were not finished. “That’s because his dream is incomplete,” said Orikri. >> Published Monday, January 21, 2008, in the Oakland Press by Carol Hopkins.
Love & compassion: Nigerian artist sharing his philosophy with children
“I was blown away by the imagery, the color and the energy of it,” says A.J. Funchess, marketing director of the Detroit Public Library, where the Troy artist will display his work through March in “The Journey: Art, Aesthetics & Life.” >> Published February 10, 2008, in the Oakland Press by Elizabeth H. Voss.
Things We Love About the Artist
A “masterpiece” is a work of art that will impact the lives of the people it touches; it will leave a permanent and positive mark in the minds and hearts of those who witness its power. Relevance and responsiveness to present and future values will render a work of art immortal, as it eventually transcends its time and place to become a legacy for future generations. Few artists comprehend these concepts, and even fewer handle them with the success shown in Timothy Orikri’s work. >> Read the entire article written February 10, 2008, by Jorge Sanchez here.
Pyramid Scheme: Nigerian-born artist Timothy Orikri has a vision for St. Louis
“Timothy Orikri flips through the pages of what looks like an artist’s portfolio but is, in truth, a life story. There are recent works: familiar St. Louis architecture transformed into prismatic fairy-tale streetscapes. There are older works: paintings of Senegal and of Orikri’s native Nigeria, which he emigrated from nine years ago. He pauses longer on some — the exhibit he created for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday; the African nativity scene created with the children of Pleasant Green Baptist Church; the muted colors of his tribute to his deceased brother, Dan. Orikri works most often on murals; the pieces of art, so dazzling on paper, are breathtaking in reality.” >> Read the entire article published March 10, 2004, in the Riverfront Times by Brooke Foster here.