Artists on the move

In this group exhibition of paintings, one thing you will observe from generation – future masters, is the purity of the artists’ inspiration. Udemma Chukwuma takes a look at the 55 recent artworks of 10 young artists who still believe in traditional art

You are glued – just looking at their artworks on display, during a press preview session at Mydrim Gallery in Lagos. The paintings, mainly oil and acrylic on canvas, are pure inspirations; not any way contaminated or influenced, by anyone on what the artists should paint.

The works are genuine artistic expressions, as the artists are very good at drawing, which is the foundation of art. The paintings are largely figures, landscapes, night scenes, faces and a few abstracts, which the artists captured in a realistic forms.

This month the works will be on view at Mydrim in the third edition of Generation – Future Masters, which opens on Saturday, June 29 till July 13. It would feature Olukotune Opeyemi, Olajide Salako, Funke Oladimeji, Osifeso Ezekiel, Chinedu Uzoma, Emeka Nwagbara, Damilola Opedun, Olufemi Oyewole, Segun Fagorusi and Raji Babatunde, a ‘cast’ the curator and the gallery owner, Sinmidele Adesanya, believes are the next future masters.

Lagos night market scene, facial expressions and economic relevance of Okada are themes of Olukotune Opeyemi, who graduated from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

“Facial expressions can explain a lot about what’s going on in one’s mind. As humans, we are able to express our emotions through our words, as well as actions. Our body language sometimes becomes a dead give-away to the real emotions we are going through in our mind. Our eyes, the slight tremor of our lips, the crumpling nose, all express our hidden emotions unconsciously,” he said.

While on the economic front, “there are different types of people engaged in Okada (commercial bike transit) business. Majority of them are disengaged labour force who have no other way to fend for themselves and their families than to be lured into the Okada business to keep body and soul together. Then, there are many others, among who are  school dropouts, who don’t want to venture into any other thing than to mount on Okada, so far as it will provide something for the grumbling tummy. Findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between Okada riders and poverty reduction; and employment generation prospect for the unskilled, meaning that Okada riders contribute to poverty reduction and employment opportunities in the society,” he added.

To Opeyemi, “Art is the only tool for me to be heard. My works celebrate humans! The amazing facial expressions, body gestures, extreme enthusiasm to work, behaviours, and most importantly, passion! The rendition of colours, on my artworks, has the possibilities to challenge one’s perception, perspective, and assumptions.”

Nwagbara’s Theme – The Women Around Us is Gele Series, is currently in its fifth year, since its debut.  This bevy of paintings is typical of West African women getting dressed for an event to honour their loved ones –  a wedding, birthday parties etc.

Oladimeji’s The Council tells the story – a cluster of nomads, discussing issues of vital importance, to them and others at large. It is a portrayal of roving entrepreneurs in a transit camp at night and Fishermen’s Quarters depicts the coastal community of Makoko, in Lagos. It operates as an area where some fishermen retire to reflect on the adventures of the day. In spite of their daily adventures, the need for a place of rest and relaxation cannot be overemphasized.

In the world where knowledge flows in abundance, art regardless of style or medium used in its execution, should preach cultural aesthetics while displaying contemporary influences. Oyewole’s works have evolved from classical rendition of urban landscapes, architecture, pictorial compositions and lifestyle, to an in-depth interpretation of traditional African Art forms through the manipulations of the elements and principles of art and design.

The Children’s minds are filled with unbelievable thoughts, which birth endless questions. Their ever curious minds shape most of their thoughts, actions and reactions, so maybe her ‘little thought’ wouldn’t be so little when she lets out all she is thinking – this, Raji Babatunde depicts with a piece he titled My Little Thought.

“Young ones are unarguably amazing beings who we should guide and guard through the course of their formative years with so much love and attention. Seeking their “little thoughts” on certain issues, answering their numerous questions, or at least trying to, would help build them intelligence and spur them on to be inquisitive adults,” said the artist.

Generation – Future Masters, was birthed by Master artist, Abiodun Olaku. He sees the annual exhibition as a way to encourage the artists and groom them to become better professional fine artists. He initiated the idea as the art sector, in this era of social media hype; faced with challenges that no body regulates the sector.

Besides, in recent times, there has been a trend in the visual art circles for the promotion of art that does not place any particular emphasis on the foundational principles of art enumerated above. These forms of artworks have received publicity through social media and other aggressive promotion platforms. Although this form may gather momentum and become established over time, it will be a disservice to place more value, economic and otherwise on them than the work of deeply talented artists; as mediocrity is celebrated and raw talents are ignored.

“The danger in allowing this to happen will be an eventual lowering of standards. We therefore organised the annual exhibition titled Generations – Future Masters Series to celebrate and promote artists who have resolved to maintain these true and well tested foundational principles of sound art practice against all odds,” said Adesanya.

To her: “They are doing it to undermine the artists with the skill. They are trying to push that down which is good,” said Adesanya, who believes in traditional art and promoting raw talents.  A lot needs to be done in the area of promotion and you promote whatever you believe in,” she said.

The exhibition is co-curated by Seun Alli and David Oluwatoyin.