Johnson Donatus Aihumekeokhai Ojeikere, known as J.D. Ojeikere, was a renowned Nigerian photographer celebrated for his captivating work centered around Nigerian hairstyles. His legacy lives on through an extensive archive comprising over ten thousand photographs that offer a captivating glimpse into the essence of Nigeria.
Early Life
Born on June 10, 1930, in the rural village of Ovbiomu-Emai in Owan East Local Government, Edo State, Ojeikere was well-versed in Yoruba and English languages in addition to his native Emai dialect.
Career
In his quest for a vocation, Ojeikere turned to photography after being rejected by the army. At the age of 20, he embarked on his photography journey with a Brownie D camera. He honed his craft through self-learning and assistance from friends, and his dedication led to employment as a darkroom assistant at the Ministry of Information in Ibadan. Throughout his career, Ojeikere's talent blossomed. He worked as a studio photographer at Television House Ibadan and contributed to West Africa Publicity in Lagos. His involvement with the Nigerian Arts Council allowed him to organize art festivals, further showcasing his dedication to his craft.
In 1968, Ojeikere embarked on a significant project, documenting Nigerian hairstyles through photography. His collection of approximately a thousand images of diverse African women's hair became a hallmark of his work. He later established "Foto Ojeikere," his photography studio on Lagos Island.
Legacy and Influence
Ojeikere's artistic journey spanned over five decades, encompassing diverse subjects. His portfolio includes capturing Queen Elizabeth's visit to Nigeria in 1956 and documenting the FESTAC '77 event, featuring guests from around the world. Beyond photography, Ojeikere's passion extended to Nigerian culture and architecture. His explorations of Lagos' architectural history led to notable contributions and insights into the transformation of the city. His exhibitions outside Nigeria, including Switzerland, Japan, Europe, and North America, introduced his work to global audiences.
Today, his legacy lives on through his son, Amaize Ojeikere, who continues to run the "Foto Ojeikere" studio. J.D. Ojeikere's profound impact on Nigerian fashion photography and cultural preservation remains undeniable.
Exhibitions and Awards
Ojeikere's work gained international recognition, with exhibitions at prestigious venues like Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, Tate Modern, and the Venice Biennial.
A large part of Ojeikere’s work was curated by Massimiliano Gioni in 2013 and included in the Arsenale section of the 55th Venice Biennale d’arte, “11 Palazo Enciclopedia”. A collection of his works titled: ‘Moment of Beauty’ at ARS 11, Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma, Helsinki, Finland was co-curated by renowned curators Bisi Silva and Aura Seikkula.
Medina Dugger’s “Chroma: An Ode to J.D. Okhai Ojeikere” is a series of photos depicting bold color-soaked photos of the hairstyles featured in Ojeikere’s work. His ‘Hair Style’ Collection, a record of about 1,000 different hairstyles started in 1968 has become invaluable in the study of Nigerian cultural diversity. His contributions were celebrated in the documentary "J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Master Photographer" by Tam Fiofori.
In acknowledgment of his remarkable journey, Ojeikere received the Life Achievement Award at Chobi Mela VI and the Nigerian Photography Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2011.
Passing and Legacy
J.D. Ojeikere's journey came to a close on February 2, 2014, at the age of 83. His indelible impact on photography, cultural documentation, and the preservation of Nigerian heritage continues to inspire generations. As we remember J.D. Okhai Ojeikere's legacy, we are reminded of his dedication to capturing the essence of Nigeria, one photograph at a time.