Sam Ovraiti

Sam Ovraiti (born 1961) is a Nigerian painter. He is the artistic director of the Harmattan Workshop, a gathering of artists founded by Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya, a Nigerian printmaker. In 2018, he was awarded the Society of Nigerian Artists' Master Artist Award.

Early life and education In 1961, Sam was born in Zaria, Kaduna State. In 1983, he obtained a Higher National Diploma from the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi. In 1993, he left teaching and moved to Lago s to practise art full-time, before he shifted his focus toward oils, acrylics, and mixed media, while he still continued to explore colour as his central subject. He has served as a member of the jury for national art competitions.

Exhibition and recognition Sam has taken part in solo and group exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad, and most of his paintings are being held in collections. In 2018, he received the Society of Nigerian Artists' Master Artist Award.

Awards +Award NameYear Society of Nigerian Artists' Master Artist Award 2018 2018 Nike Centre Award for Painter of the Year 2017 Guinness Top Three Award for Contemporary Artist in Nigeria 2024 Mobil Producing Winner of National Painting Competition 1983