When artists gathered ‘Together Again’

The visual arts sub-sector in Nigeria has always been very active. Apart from winning international laurels, activating auctions that entrench the artist’s economic empowerment, it has also succeeded in effectively pushing up our country’s image on a pedestal in foreign climes.  It was in this light that the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) organised the […]

The visual arts sub-sector in Nigeria has always been very active. Apart from winning international laurels, activating auctions that entrench the artist’s economic empowerment, it has also succeeded in effectively pushing up our country’s image on a pedestal in foreign climes.  
It was in this light that the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) organised the second edition of the Kaduna Art Fair, ‘Together Again’. The event which took place recently at the Nigerian Air Force Club (NAF Club) brought together artists from across various specialisations and levels.
The event which featured paintings, sculpture, mixed media and photography amongst others gave guests a first-hand encounter with works of masters like Kolade Oshinowo, Tonie Okpe and Mufu Onifade, as well as those of new and upcoming artists like Stephen Afen’oko, Temidayo Oduntokun and Isioma Dogo amongst others.
Mr. Abdullahi Muku, director general of the NGA, remarked that this edition of the fair has rediscovered many artists. “The scope is wider, the works on display are richer and the enthusiasm that greeted the process of putting the programme together is equally overwhelming. Going by the attendant reality of success, we are tempted to predict that next year’s edition will be designed to fully ascribe to international standard – both in quality and outlook.
Urging guests to align themselves with the artists by patronising their works, “knowing full well that your efforts will go a long way in ascertaining their economic empowerment,” he said such patronage will be fulfilment of the Federal Government’s efforts at rebasing our nation for maximum benefit.
By the tenets of sustenance, the art fair is now being serialised as it marks the attainment of one of the NGA’s objectives to promote contemporary Nigerian art.
Kaduna’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Abdulrashid Kakafi who witnessed the first edition said it was fulfilling to be a witness to the second and that the tempo has been sustained.
According to Kakafi, bringing the fair in Kaduna is like the cockerel coming home to roost as the city flourishes with art and creativity.
“The exhibition is a propelling factor that not only reminds us of our role as a frontline city of creativity, but has further enriched the creative thinking of our youths who are blessed with art in such a way that makes them meaningfully and productively engaged.
In celebration of artists whose skills and professional approach to art cannot be overemphasised, Bar. Hipo Onwuegbuke described it as a rare platform that ferments creativity and encourages artistic productivity in the general development of Nigerian art industry.
The Chairman of the NGA governing board said: “The scope of opportunity presented this year has been expanded and advanced to accommodate more artists. This exhibition is a collection of refreshing art pieces that visually reveal our happenstances and activities – both as a society and as a nation. As a mirror of life, art is here again calling our attention to what we do and what we need to continue to do that will guarantee our unity and peaceful cohabitation. On the other hand, the theme, ‘Together Again’ is a positive challenge that must be embraced without prejudice.
Refreshing indeed were the works of younger artists as well as more recent works of older artists being featured alongside one another.
No profession is stagnant and other areas need to be improved as well which is what the exhibition targets. Materials from lectures and symposiums across Nigeria serve as reference materials. The NGA he said so far has at least fifteen of such materials which are also available in several public domains.
He said with the theme: “We’re saying we should remain together not only as artists but as a country because development will come faster that way.
Afen’oko said his photographs were an attempt to get people to see what he saw by freezing time in the pictures. He explained that ‘Yellow Spot’ was taken on a lonely trip to Bida on very bad roads when all of a sudden a truck loaded with earthenware pots appears.
“Yellow ink is what makes print works attractive and gives life. That is why I chose to name it so,” he said.
Originally an architect, Isioma Dogo is exploring the artists’ side of her through photography. Her piece, ‘Fallen hero’ was motivated by the fact that there are people who once stood tall but have fallen just as the tree had, as a result of various reasons. Regardless its current state, she adorned it with stones, beads and other jewellery which represent its one time magnificence and making it a mixed media piece.
Katsina’s Zimbe Sabo participating for the first time in the fair explained his works, said his work ‘Transition’ was a reflection of Nigeria’s election mood with preparations in top gear for 2015. With President Jonathan being the key character of the durbar and other players dressed in traditional costumes of different parts of the country, Sabo preaches togetherness and acceptance as one nation.