Osaretin Ighile is an American citizen born in Benin City, Nigeria, renowned for its imperial bronze and brass work. Ighile's work recalls this tradition, while his experiences of living in New York City, mixed with social consciousness, offer a unique point of view. Trained in the University of Benin (BFA), Ighile's earliest commissions began at age 17. Sculpture is his focus, and he is recognized for his paintings and performance. Ighile works in oil, clay, bronze, wood, stone and concrete. He excelled in masters courses at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. Past work experience includes art therapy and instruction. Recently, his sculptures were shown at the World Bank in Washington, DC. In 2008, His work was in the Dakar Biennial in Senegal. In 2007, he co-curated a group exhibition show in collaboration with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Other solo and group exhibits of paintings and sculpture include Two07 Gallery, Skoto Gallery and Skylight Gallery in NYC. Ighile has been featured in The New York Times, The New York Post, NY1 television and several NYC local news casts. His sculpture of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is in the permanent collection of Jean Paul Blachere Foundation, France. Other paintings and sculpture are in collections of Treasure Arts Limited (African Arts Gallery), Nigeria and several private collectors. Commissions include The State Governor of Edo State, Nigeria, Embassy of France in Lagos, Nigeria, Okada Airlines, among others. Founder of Africana Outreach, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to bringing people together through art.
