Respected Artist Zinno Orara Is Dead 

 Respected Nigerian artist Zinno Orara is dead.

 He passed away on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, at the age of 58.

Specialising in painting and illustration, Zinno, who recently celebrated his 30th anniversary of practice, has dedicated his life to the arts since he graduated top of his class in 1998.

Since his debut at the Didi Museum in Lagos in 1991, the visual artist has significantly impacted new-generation visual artists with his work. During his lifetime, his work was exhibited worldwide, including in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, South Africa, and more.

His family  announced the sad development in a statement signed by Majiri Zinno Orara, on behalf of the children.

The statement reads…

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our father, the great Nigerian artist Zinno Orara who went to be with the Lord on Tuesday June 25.

Zinno Akpoghene Orara was born on 17 November 1965 in Benin City. He attended Government College, Ughelli and the School of Art and Design (Polytechnic), Auchi. He graduated at 23 in 1988 specializing in painting and illustration. He also holds a degree in Philosophy. He would have been 60 next year.

Our dad dedicated his life to the arts, since graduating top of his class in 1988, holding his debut exhibition at Didi Museum in Lagos in 1991, and staging hundreds of shows at galleries and museums around the world until his last outing ‘Refreshing Dialogue’ in Lagos last month. He was one of the most significant artists of his generation, and a teacher, leader, and inspiration to many young artists around the world.

He loved his late wife Adaora generously; and was devoted to his children Majiri, Chidera, Kesena, Princess, and Karisma. He is survived by his Five (5) children, and his wife, Blessing Zinno Orara.

We will continue to trust in God’s love and care even as we struggle to come to terms with this devastating loss. And we thank all of his friends, colleagues, fans, and the media in Nigeria and elsewhere for the love, kindness and support now and in the coming days.

We will provide more details about the burial, and other ceremonies in due course.