When Araism movement stormed Abuja

The event which was declared open by Prof. Olusegun Adewoye, Director-General of the National Agency for Science & Engineering brought together people from the art community as well as government officials and members of the public, all of whom came to appreciate this fast growing art style. Director of Culture at the Ministry of Culture […]

The event which was declared open by Prof. Olusegun Adewoye, Director-General of the National Agency for Science & Engineering brought together people from the art community as well as government officials and members of the public, all of whom came to appreciate this fast growing art style.

Director of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. George Ufot said he was excited that there is an art trend, Araism, which has redefined art from a different perspective, further expressing its non-static nature. Art, he said, should have continuity in its designs and have a fresh approach every now and again.

I am particularly impressed by the works I see here because they are a movement away from the norm of the Zaria, Yaba and Nsukka art schools and what we would generally define as art. The artists are exploring new themes and dimensions.

He expressed regret over the lack of a proper gallery in the FCT where residents and visitors alike could go to see works of the masters as well as those of young and upcoming artists and be educated about Nigerian art. “With such budding talents”, he said, “There is need for government to be more involved in developing the arts because art is what mirrors the society. It is the other side of a society that people are curious to see.”

One of the participating artists, Bolarinwa Olowolabayaki, explained that he originally studied ceramics at the University of Nigeria. In a similar exhibition seven years ago, he encountered Araism. From that moment on, his thirst for new ways of art has been satisfied. “For a long time, I had wanted to explore new ways of art when I visited an exhibition in 2005 featuring works on Araism. I fell in love with them and the philosophy behind them. I have stuck to them since then.”

As regards his most fascinating interests with the technique the artist said, “As a Yoruba person whose language is full of idioms and proverbs, I find Araism as a medium easier to express them.”

Describing art as universal as music is Prosper Akeni, a guest but also an artist/cartoonist said many look at art from personal experiences and taste. “But art has a standard which is why a trained artist can tell a good one from a bad one.

Criticism is also based on one’s general knowledge of art, taste and global standards. Going by these, he said, the works on display are brilliant, ethnic and are idiomatic in their expressions. “Each one is saying different things in the same language but are uniting their messages in the traditional orientation and ethnicity which binds them all together.”

The works featured the works of Mufu Onifade, Abiola Akande, Jonathan Ikpoza, Dotun Popoola, Abolore Awojobi, Oluwambe Amodu, Jonathan Imafirdor, Odumbo Adeniran and Mathew Ojediran and  represented different scenes on the Nigerian landscape from rural living, children, Northern oligarchy, traditional play and beauty amongst others.

The exhibition runs till tomorrow.