Sam Ovraiti, born in 1961 in Zaria Kaduna State, holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Master of Fine Arts Degree (MFA) from Auchi Polytechnic and the University of Benin respectively and lives and runs his artist studio in Lagos. He was committed as a lecturer and was instrumental in the training of young artists in Auchi Polytechnic from 1985 – 1993. He is a deep and philosophical artist with passion in artistic research and experimentation, especially with colours and light. This aspect has been heightened by his long-term relationship with Professor Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and the well known Harmattan Workshop, of which he currently is the artistic director.

Sam is a very well recognised and influential artist in the contemporary art space in Nigeria, not only known as the most expressive watercolourist and a leading master in colours and light, but also through his regular artist talks, the Harmattan workshop and his ongoing mentoring of many artists. His efforts in the area of watercolour and chalk pastel in the 1980’s popularized both materials as an acceptable painting medium within the art community in Nigeria and he is also very well recognized for his later oils and acrylics.  

Sam has been honoured with several academic awards and national prizes. His paintings are well received all over the world and he has participated in many solo and group exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad. Last year, he was honoured with a grand retrospective solo exhibition at Alexis Gallery in Lagos and at this moment his work is featured in the National museum in Lagos.   

Solo & duo exhibitions

2020

• Africa Now, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam, the Netherlands
• October Rain, Resilience, National museum, Lagos

2019

• Sam Ovraiti: Retrospective of 36 years romance with the language of colours, Alexis Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria
• Moremi, a view from the masters, Alexis Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria
• An exhibition of masters of contemporary art, Alexis Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria

2018

• Harmattan Workshop Results, Alexis gallery, V.I Lagos, Nigeria
• Infinite TreasuresTerra culture,V.I lagos
• Harmattan Workshop Results, Lagos 
• Court of Arbitration complex, V.I lagos
• The Bloom 1, Alexis gallery, V.I Lagos

2016

• Infinite Treasures 2, Terra culture, V.I Lagos 

2014

• A new order, Terra culture, , V.I Lagos. 

Group exhibitions

2018

• SNA Master Artist Award 2018 (equivalent to best national artist of the year) 

2017

• Nike Centre Award for Painter of the Year 
• Chrisland Groups of Schools Art Legend Award

2016

• Outstanding Ambassador of the Auchi School 
  at the 7th Auchi Arts Convention 

2004

• Auchi Polytechnic Merit Award for OUTSTANDING ALUMNI 
• Guinness Top Three Award for Contemporary Artist in Nigeria 

1991

• Scholarship to Fine Art Students at Auchi 
  Polytechnic by the American Ambassador to 
  Nigeria, Lannon Walker
• Auchi Leo Club’s Recognition of philanthropic 
  contributions 

1990

P.M. JAM Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi’s Award for Patron of the Year 

Jaycees Auchi’s Award for Service to the Community 

1983

• Mobil Producing Winner of National Painting Competition 
• Auchi Polytechnic Rector’s Certificate of Excellence for Best Graduating Student in Painting 
• Auchi Polytechnic Fasuyi Price for Best Student in Painting 

1976

• 79 Numerous Awards and Fine Art Prizes at Secondary School Level 

Professional activities

2019

• Currently: Artistic Director of the Harmattan Workshops 

1985 -1993: 

• lecturer in painting, drawing and illustration at the 
  Federal polytechnic, Auchi  

He is member of the following associations: 

• Guild of Fine Arts, Nigeria 
• Society of Nigerian Artists, Nigeria 
• Colour Masters, Auchi, Nigeria 
• Watercolour Society, Nigeria 
• Art Rite, Nigeria 

Collections

• National Gallery for Art and Craft, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria
• Texaco Overseas, Lagos, Nigeria
• Mobil Producing, Lagos, Nigeria
• Punch Newspaper, Lagos, Nigeria
• Conoco Energies, Lagos, Nigeria
• Ocean Energy, Lagos, Nigeria
• Guinness Nigeria plc, Lagos, Nigeria