The Collaboratory hosts Nigerian Artist Ben Ibebe in exhibition, gallery talk

By Kamron Taylor, Staff Writer

This Saturday, Daytonians are in for a special treat.

Ben Ibebe, the world-renowned artist based in Nigeria, will talk about his vibrant artistry on Saturday November 21st in a Solo Exhibition hosted by The Collaboratory. Ibebe focuses on images of West Africa using colorful, captivating tactile paintings on oil canvases. Ibebe’s work has been featured all over the world, including cities like London, New York and now Dayton.

 Peter Benkendorf, the director of The Collaboratory, is Ibebe’s connection to the Dayton area.

"About two years I met Iyorwuese Hagher, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and Canada, now living in Trotwood,” Benkendorf said. "Because of my past involvement in the arts through the Blue Sky Project, Ambassador Hagher connected me with Ben, and I have been trying to get him to Dayton ever since, in large part because I believe his work and perspective would enrich the community.”

Ibebe has been able to touch Dayton with his beautiful pieces because Benkendorf recognized that Ibebe’s work is very much a part of the mission of The Collaboratory to foster new economic, social and creative capital. 

Dayton.com was fortunate enough to speak with Ibebe one-on-one about his life in Nigeria and the reasons why he loves the Dayton community. Here’s a sneak peak at what you can look forward to at Saturday’s exhibition.