Metaphor and Melancholy Consciousness: Enduring Efficacy and Universal Common in Obiora Udechukwu’s Eight Paintings

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Chukwuemeka Okpara1, Emeka Aniago2 & Tochukwu Felicia Okpara3

1Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Fine & Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

2Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Theatre & Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

ORCID id 0000-0003-3194-1463. Email Id: emekaaniago@gmail.com

3Lecturer, Dept. of Fine & Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

 Volume 12, Number 6, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n6.05

 Abstract

This paper analytically discusses the efficacy of Obiora Udechukwu’s eight paintings particularly their commonality in projecting humanity universal common, pervading melancholy consciousness, and their propensity to activate effectual catharsis. This paper also discusses how these eight paintings provide cognitive channels through which plausible interpretive attempt at psychoanalysis of Udechukwu in relation to the paintings can be attained. We are adopting interpretive approach in our attempt at coming up with plausible deductions and extrapolations of the embedded significations in the paintings. To deepen our purview on efficacy of these paintings as stimuli for emotion activation, we shall apply select theories explaining contexts of melancholy consciousness, effectual catharsis and cognitive channels of psychoanalysis in relation to paintings as texts. In the end, our interpretations indicate that Udechukwu’s techniques in these paintings create perpetual atmosphere subsuming consciousness of universally acknowledged debilitating agonies resulting from wars.

 Keywords: consciousness, efficacy, melancholy, metaphor, Obiora Udechukwu, painting