One of Parker’s favorite work destinations was Nigeria. “It was in March, before Independence,” said Parker, referring to the country’s peaceful shift to independence in 1960.

 

“Everyone was in a terrific mood. Little towns were pleasant, funky but pleasant. I loved Nigeria.”

 

Parker remembers the country being very colorful. “They had ‘mammy wagons’ painted in rainbow colors. The markets were filled with a thousand different things, including live monkeys.”

 

While there, he painted and drew large oil tankers arriving to Nigerian harbors for use along with a feature story about oil in Fortune magazine.