BY EDAMUDO JOYCE
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Starting from the 6th September, 2024 to the 4th October, 2024, it’s going to be a new experience with the international arts exhibition put together by a collective of Nigerian artists presenting stunning works at the Anderson Art Center in Anderson South Carolina,, USA.
They are six in numbers, namely Nduka F. Onyia, Folami Rasaq, Bimbo Adenugba, Moses Oghagbon, Dudu Emmanuel and Olayinka Kasali respectfully.
Unity was the vision, telling their stories through arts was the mission as they share the same artistic talents to promote African Arts , most especially Nigerian visual arts to the global world.
Nduka F. Onyia who led the team to showcase their intellectual works at the Anderson Art Center, Anderson South Carolina in the USA revealed that the six artists united to showcase the vibrant spirit of African Arts globally and positively.
” In line with the spirit of African cultural values and ideologies which promotes unity and partnerships, we believed that coming together with this arts exhibition will not just unite us , promote our works and that of the Anderson Art Center; it’s to our believe that it will also showcase Nigeria’s vibrant arts scene to the world” Nduka F. Onyia who coincidentally is a member of the Anderson Artists Guild , USA, retorted.
And with this, through their arts ,they aim to bridge the gaps, foster unity and celebrate the beauty of African culture and to inspire a new narrative for Nigeria and the world in general.
Continuing , Nduka says, ” We are not just coming out , we were out during the COVID 19 and the outcome of the arts exhibition was what inspired us to come out again this year , 2024 .
“Yes, the whole world was in turmoil during the COVID 19 pandemic, but we were undaunted in making a difference that has positive impacts to the larger communities !
” In line with African value systems, we believe in unity , we thrive in collaboration and we enjoy showcasing the positive cultural values of our forefathers . Here we are again” he said.
One of Nduka’s works is titled ‘The Depth of Solitude ‘, ( Copper foil) 18×36 inches
Bimbo Adenugba mirrored the trade or commercial inclinations with his work titled ‘Market Hub ‘ , it’s an acrylic on canvas .
To Bimbo, it’s not just about Nigerian colours alone, it’s about the global connection .
” We want to make a name, projects the need to explore African Arts . Tap into it and see both the hidden and existing talents and also paint a new narrative for Nigeria”
To Moses Eboigbodin Oghagbon , ” Passion” is the title of his work which is an oil on canvas .
” Yes, there is passion in what we do . There is a need for excellence. This is why we are painting the picture of excellence abroad ” Moses enthused.
As for Dudu Emmanuel, believing that canvas provides a flexible surface which is good for transportation and storage , he came out with a work titled , ‘Mother of Two’, an oil on canvas measuring ’47×23′ inches.
” This is about Motherhood and nurturing. It’s also about fertility and abundance . In Yorubaland, the Mother of Twins symbolises strength , while her Twins showcase duality and unity . We are here showcasing our works because we all believe in unity” Dudu affirmed .
Folami Razaq, a Curator per excellence and African culture promoter who knows the importance of the masquerades, mostly in the areas of spiritual connection , reverence , preservation of Yoruba historical identities, and conveying messages between the living and the dead , titled his work ‘Onídán’, (Masquerades series) which is size: 48” x 24” inches in acrylic on canvas medium .
To him , it is about retelling significant African stories in an educative artistic manner.
” We are painting a new narrative for Nigeria , our beloved Motherland . We are showcasing our cultural heritage and survival to the larger community . I am sure one would want to know the meaning of Egungun or Masquerades , the significant and spiritual connotations. This exhibition is a collective gathering which is an avenue to promote African Arts globally and positively “
Olayinka Kasali used wood dust to create intricate designs and textures , one of his works is titled ‘Glorious waves” it measures 42″× 28″× 11″ .
According to him , ” I used wood dust and resin in this particular one in order to harness the creative potentials abounding as well as minimizing risks and environmental effects . I plan to do more exhibitions in the future with this group. We are out to beautiful the world and also to reduce waste while focusing on sustainability ‘
Oladotun Aloba, An artist who graduated
from the University of Nigeria, Nzukka and currently works with an educational organization in Pennsylvania , USA, visited the exhibition venue and opened up that she was amazed at the large turnout of the visitors .
” The works are beautiful as well as telling stories . It’s about a cultural rebirth . It’s about exposure . It’s about golden landmarks .
“Here are Gentlemen eager to promote African Arts here in America. And when you talk about America , you are talking about the whole world. These are the real talents embedded in golden attire. I am greatly inspired and there is no gainsaying that others visiting here or reading about them will be proud of their inner talents transforming into raising the bars for the emerging Artists , but also showing a golden light on Nigeria’s thriving arts community “.
The exhibition continues till the 6th October, 2024 at the Anderson Art centre in the USA , where Erin Spainhour and Tracy Weiss are Curators respectively.
Basking in the euphoria that the art exhibition stated well with great hopes it will end well , 4 of the artists live in the USA and 2 in Nigeria , there is no argument that they are the Artistic Ambassadors of Nigeria .
It’s indeed a ‘ Common Front ‘ as the name of the arts exhibition stated. And from Nigeria to the world, they shared their stories through arts .
