Nigeria, Egypt display ‘African Dialogue in Progress’

Mr. Abdullahi Muku, Ag. Director General of the NGA explained the purpose behind the initiative. He said “NIVATOUR is one of the vehicles which the NGA is using to propagate the rich culture which generations past have handed to us to the rest of the world. It is our platform for showcasing the rich artistic […]

Mr. Abdullahi Muku, Ag. Director General of the NGA explained the purpose behind the initiative. He said “NIVATOUR is one of the vehicles which the NGA is using to propagate the rich culture which generations past have handed to us to the rest of the world. It is our platform for showcasing the rich artistic talents that abound in Nigeria. ”  

He said “we intend to tour the world with the best of modern Nigeria visual arts so that the world will see that it is not only our ancient forms that are great but that our contemporary art has evolved to the level where Nigerian visual artists can hold their own and compete favourably with the best anywhere in the world.”

Expressing satisfaction with the success of the outing and with the turn of artists, art lovers and critics alike, the Head of the Fine Arts Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, Mr. Mohsen Shaalan said this unique show will provide the best segment of the Egyptian audience to share and appreciate works from a twin African nation, a nation with a great authentic culture.

For the artists, it was a good mix and interaction for them as they got first hand encounter with their counterparts from different nations with different techniques.

Works from the national collection of art representatives of the different generations of Nigerian art were also on display. Works of legendary artists Ben Enwonwu, Erhabor Emokpae, Abayomi Barber, Yusuf Grillo, Ladi Kwali, Francis Osague and Chris Echeta, among others, were all on display.

Artists from both sides had taste of work techniques from one another in the course of a workshop organised for them. Speaking on behalf of the exhibiting artists, Mrs. Pamela Egware a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt and Textile Artist said “I am glad to be a part of this because I have an in depth cultural exchange and experience of the techniques behind the Egyptian mode of art and textiles.”

The event which began on Sunday, July 25 ended on Tuesday July 27 as preparations will begin immediately for the second phase which is to take place in Alexandria from August 9th to 18th, 2010.