Born April 18, 1970 in Umutu, Delta State, Okpu was an artistic child, inspiring him to pursue a degree in art. He studied fine and applied art at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, majoring in painting. He graduated in 1999, receiving multiple awards for his painting, drawing and academics.
Okpu is a painter and sculptor whose artistic expression covers (but is not limited to) materials like acrylic paints on canvas, fabric, wood, calabash, plastic, charcoal, watercolour and found objects, including dried leaves. He is a surrealist whose style has been inspired by Salvador Dali and Picasso’s cubism; his dynamic abilities have enabled him to explore strong themes like pain, movement and social dynamics. The experimental dynamism reflected in his works instantly piques the interest of the public during showcases.
Okpu has exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions in Nigeria, Ghana, USA and London. He was part of a travelling exhibition organised by the National Gallery of Nigeria that toured the world. A few of his exhibitions are “Global Peace through Synergy: 7th Annual Group Exhibition” (Artfully Spaced Gallery, Los Angeles, USA, 2023); “Cluster” (solo, TerraKulture, Lagos, 2019); “Breaking Boundaries” (TerraKulture, Lagos, 2018); Amsterdam Whitney Gallery (USA, 2012); “Changing Life” (Didi Museum, Lagos, 2006); “Transcending Boundaries” (Lace Contemporary Gallery, UK, 2015); “Black to the Future” (Art Village Gallery, Tennessee, USA, 2018).
Okpu participated in an art residency with the National Gallery of Art Nigeria and also with Vermont Studio Center, USA. He also gained an artist representation for a year at Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, USA (2012). His works have been featured in many art auctions in Nigeria and overseas. Okpu is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists and the Sculptors Association of Nigeria. He served as the general secretary of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria.