12 finalists emerge for annual arts competition
The finalists include George Emeka Agbo, Emmanuel Dudu, Chinenye Miriam Emelogu, Joseph Eze, Pris Nzimiro, Francis Umendu Odupute, Zemaye Okediji, Maie Okafor, Folakunle Oshun, Alafuro Sikoki, the duo Papa Omotayo and Folarin Shasanya, and the duo Omoligho Omoye Udenta and Affiko Obadina. The entered works which best interpreted this year’s theme, ‘Consequences’. According to Joseph […]
The finalists include George Emeka Agbo, Emmanuel Dudu, Chinenye Miriam Emelogu, Joseph Eze, Pris Nzimiro, Francis Umendu Odupute, Zemaye Okediji, Maie Okafor, Folakunle Oshun, Alafuro Sikoki, the duo Papa Omotayo and Folarin Shasanya, and the duo Omoligho Omoye Udenta and Affiko Obadina.
The entered works which best interpreted this year’s theme, ‘Consequences’. According to Joseph Gergel, Project Coordinator/Co-Curator of the AAF this year’s emphasis is being placed on the processes of artistic creation rather than solely the end product. “This is to reflect the AAF’s renewed focus on artistic processes, an agenda which will be rigorously pursued in the coming years with the theme. To this end, finalists took part in an Artist Retreat between 30 July to 4 August 2012 at The White Space (Ikoyi), where finalists had the opportunity to partake in workshops by leading artists, scholars, and practitioners in their fields and exchange ideas with other finalists.”
These twelve finalists have chosen to explore the interpretation of the theme “Consequences” through a variety of mixed media and installation practices. While previous National Art Competitions engaged a medium-specific approach to selection criteria, this year, we wish to embrace a hybridity of artistic disciplines and forms, one that places primary focus on the conceptual threads of the artistic message. Mediums to be included are: sculpture, installation, video art, photography, mixed media, sound art, and editorial cartoon.
On works presented this year, Gergel said, “ This year, an overwhelming trend in the proposals were artworks that are not based on a medium specific discipline but rather that embrace a hybridity of artistic forms. Most of the finalists approach installation and mixed media practices, where the conceptual message is of primary focus.”
Some artists investigate the cultural dynamics of consumption in an over-saturated media environment. Some look to the effects of urban development, economic opportunities, the population explosion, and poor sanitary conditions. Some focus on a cultural critique that is unique to Nigeria, such as the violence of Boko Haram and the oil crisis in the Niger Delta. Others take a more metaphorical approach to the theme through the materiality of their mediums and a universal message.
“All projects will be created now following the retreat to be exhibited on 25 October 2012 at the Civic Center in Lagos.”