University of Nigeria / Research Publications OGBU, Godwin Uka Author Author PG/ Ph.D/95/22008 Title Pioneers of Visual Communication Design in Eastern Nigeria, 1959-1979 Arts Faculty Faculty Fine and Applied Arts Department Department July, 2007 Date Signature Signature PIONEERS OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN IN EASTERN NIGERIA, 1959 - 1979. UKA, GODWIN OGBU B.A. (Hons). Industrial Design. ABU; M.A. ABU REG. NUMBER: PG1MNPh.D /95/22008 THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND APPLIED ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE IN ART HISTORY July 2007 CERTIFICATION Uka, Godwin Ogbu, a postgraduate student in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka with registration number PGIMAIPh.D/95/22008 has satisfactorily completed the requirement for research work for the degree of Ph.D in Art History. The work embodied in this report is original and has not been submitted in part or in full for any Diploma or Degree of the University or any other University. b Prof. Ola Oloidi Supervisor Head of ~e~%ment \\ External Examiner APPROVAL PAGE This thesis has been examined and approved for the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. PROF. OLA OLOIDI Supervisor External Examiner APPROVAL PAGE This thesis has been examined and approved for the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. PROF. OLA OLOIDI Supervisor External Examiner DEDICATION This research is dedicated to my gracious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and to my darling wife and family. + DEDICATION This research is dedicated to my gracious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and to my darling wife and family. + ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The process of writing a Ph.D. thesis is undeniably laborious. My unreserved gratitude goes to the Almighty God who saw me through this intellectual journey. I am also immensely indebted to various persons whose immeasurable assistance has helped in thd completion of this thesis. Top on the list is my supervisor, Professor Ola Oloidi and his lovely wife. I lack adequate words to express my profound gratitude and thanks to them. Prof. Oloidi not only supervised this work but also was instrumental to the actualization of my dream in my chosen profession. He freely allowed me access to his rich personal library, and selflessly took pains to go through each step of writing this thesis with me; his advice, encouragement and constructive criticisms helped me to make this work a success. I will always remain grateful to my parents, Chief Uka Ogbu Uka and Mrs. Charity Uka, who, right from my childhood, have been a source of support to me. I cannot forget to mention my younger brother, Eberechukwu Uka, and my late elder sister Patience Uka. They all in one-way or the other inspired me. I am also grateful to my darling wife, Olanma, for her special encouragement and support. I am equally indebted to all academic and non-academic staff of the Fine and Applied Arts Department and friends who have in one way or the other helped in the completion of this work. Among those are Prof. El Anatsui, Mr. Godson Diogu, Dr Ernest Okoli, Prof. C.C. Agw, Mrs. Ekema Agw and others. 1 am also indebted to the departmental acting librarian, Mrs. Ukaria Ude, for her assistance and also Edith U. Ohaja and Ifeoma Samuel, who helped in reading and correcting the work. Finally, I thank Chizoba Okenyi for her &tience, fast and neat typing of the whole work and everyone else who helped me along the line during the course of this study. Uka, Godwin Ogbu Department of Fine and Applied Arts University of Nigeria, Nsukka July 2007 ABSTRACT PIONEERS OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN IN EASTEFW NIGERIA 1959-1979 BY UKA, GODWIN OGBU B.A. (Hons). Industrial Design. ABU; M.A. ABU Visual communication design connotes the use of graphics packages in enhancing the communication and production or advertisement of goods and services to the public. This paper has tried to trace the historical development of Visual Communication Design practice in Eastern Nigeria. It has explained the meaning of graphics design in visual communication design practice in particular. Also the visual communication artists and their works as well as the pioneers of graphics design in Eastern Nigeria were located and discussed. The works of these pioneers and their values to the contemporary society are quite evident, C considering the importance and usehlness of their description to the historical development of a nation. Graphics artist all over the world have been engaged in solving and clarifying difficult intellectual, often abstract, problems. This is in part, the result of globalization; the revolution in multimedia and information technology that fosters the rapid transmission of complex data. Historically speaking, its socio- economic and psychological effect and influence have also led to the development of notable global and national achievements through the pioneers of this profession. ... Vlll TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page.. .................................................................. Certification. ................................................................ Approval Page. .............................................................. Dedication. .................................................................... iv Acknowledgements. ......................................................... v Abstract. ....................................................................... vii ... Table of Contents.. ............................................................ Vlll List of Plates.. ........................................., ...................... X CHAPTER ONE Introduction. ................................................................... Statement of the Problem.. ................................................... Objectives. ..................................................................... Scope of the Study.. .......................................................... Limitations. .................................................................... Significance of the study.. ................................................... Methodology. .................................................................. * Organization. ................................................................... Review of Literature.. ........................................................ CHAPTER TWO Types of Graphics ............................................................... 27 Book Design ................................................................................. 3 2 Logo Design.. .................................................................... 34 Poster Design.. ..................................................................... 35 Package Design.. ................................................................... 40 Print Making ......................................................................... Typographic Design ................................................................ Television Graphics ................................................................. Advertising Design .................................................................. Sign and Architectural Graphics .................................................. Animation ........................................................................ Computer Graphics .................................................................. Industrial Design ..................................................................... CHAPTER THREE b Graphics in Eastern Nigeria: The Situation before 1959........................ 55 Popular Art Discipline before 1959............................................... 64 Popular Artists ...................................................................... 72 John Mbafia .......................................................................... 74 Kalu Onwuka ........................................................................ 75 S . C . Uzoty ........................................................................... 76 v Uche Odemela ....................................................................... 77 CHAPTER FOUR The Pioneers of Visual Communication Design in Eastern Nigeria ......... Eke Okaybulu ........................................................................ Felix Ekeada ......................................................................... Ogbonnaya Nwagbara ............................................................ Chuka Amaehnah .................................................................. Paul Igbonuago..................................................................... Benjamin. Osita Nj elita ............................................................ Anthony Okwuoma Okpara ....................................................... Martin 0.Onwuzuroha.. .......................................................... I. N. Uzoagba.. ..................................................................... Stella Idiong.. ...................................................................... Greag Joseph Ikafia.. ............................................................. CHAPTER FIVE Graphics in Eastern Nigeria: Formalistic Consideration.. ................... I CHAPTER SIX Graphics in Eastern Nigeria: Conceptual Consideration:. ................... ?! CHAPTER SEVEN Graphics Patronage in Eastern Nigeria.. ....................................... @ L I r CHAPTER EIGHT Conclusion. ......................................................................