Osaretin shows off wealth in oil on canvas

‘Bienvenue à Lagos!’ The royal blue Eiffel Tower, dwarfing the yellow and black stripped tuke tuke buses embedded in the bustling Lagos market, actually did welcome guests to ‘A Show of Wealth,’ the first solo exhibition by Eghosa Henry Osaretin.  The piece expressed in oil on canvas ushered them into the exhibition hall of the […]

‘Bienvenue à Lagos!’ The royal blue Eiffel Tower, dwarfing the yellow and black stripped tuke tuke buses embedded in the bustling Lagos market, actually did welcome guests to ‘A Show of Wealth,’ the first solo exhibition by Eghosa Henry Osaretin. 

The piece expressed in oil on canvas ushered them into the exhibition hall of the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, with music flowing from the drum beats of the ‘Strength and Voice of Igbos’ and those from the talking drum in ‘Talk of the West.’ 

These were accompanied by the nimble steps of the gallantly dressed ‘Aso ebi dancers’ in their red aso oke as the ‘Ekpo’ masquerades took the tempo a notch higher while ‘Udaoje’ displayed his mastery with the opi.  

The rich earth colour of ‘Joy for a new season,’ reminded all that the yuletide was lurking around as ‘Efe’ and ‘Ifeoma’ showed off their new fabrics and attire.

Each of the over twenty five works gave detailed narratives of the various subjects they expressed. They were from the artist’s collection from 2008 to 2017. The works focused on various subjects from everyday life to commerce and culture, among others. 

H.E. Marcelino Ansorena, the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria said the Embassy – which supported the exhibition – was delighted to witness the of talent display of Osaretin who was the winner of the 2011 visual arts competition, ‘Crossed Perspectives,’ with his work ‘A Wall of Defence.’ 

He said, “That particular work has crossed the borders of Nigeria and even of Africa and is currently in Peru,” after being presented as a gift to the Grammy Award winner, Susana Baca.

According to the curator, Nduwhite Ahanonu, the collection is the artist’s interpretation of our cultural essence, expressions and celebrations. “It is a makeup of everything wealthy, elegant and beautiful.”

President of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), Ngozi Akande, who was drawn to the exhibition by the work, ‘Joy for a new season,’ corroborated this. 

Akande who was impressed that women formed a major part of the collection said, “The world cannot exist without women. Women are what make the world beautiful. 

“To have worked with women figures in different capacities bring out the beauty of the industry and its tenacity as well as the visionary qualities of women.”

Analysing her favourite piece, she said, “‘Joy for a new season’ says a lot about the woman. When she is happy, the whole environment radiates it. It is the same for when she is sad and the work aptly expresses this.”

Speaking on the idea behind the exhibition, Osaretin said the exhibition is a reflection of Nigeria’s wealth in terms of its people, their resilience, culture and events among all other elements that make the country.

He described ‘A show of wealth’ as an embodiment of the various fabrics which chronicle Nigeria’s long history that have brought her thus far. 

The opening event featured a life drawing demonstration by the artists as the audience saw him in his element.

The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, ends today.