A retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Chinwe Iyizoba, has urged Nigerians to support young artists like Damola Ayegbayo to excel at the international level by encouraging and patronising their artworks.
Ayegbayo who was born in 1988 in Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Obafemi Awolowo University, from the Department of Fine and Applied Arts.
Iyizoba made the call on Sunday in Osun, at Art and theatre events in Osogbo.
While reacting to the statement made by the judge, the Commissioner For Culture & Tourism in Osun Dr Adebisi Simeon Obawale said: “While many cultures have their variations of art and what it means to them, some cultures stand out among the rest. One of such is the cultural art associated with the people of Osun. Most parts of the state have historical features that make up a great part of our history books. Interestingly, indigenes are mostly involved in creating artifacts and magnificent works of art.”
“He said for him Ayegbayo Damola paintings publicly displayed at the heart of Osun State capital as a monumental picture to remember lost heroes means a lot even generations yet unborn Will use the paintings to know their past heroes.”
“That’s his inputs in the state hasn’t gone unnoticed for at least being the youngest and largest private arts holder in the country, that alone deserves much more.”
“His works convey the power of the beauty of black African women, the reality of life and morals through color and black beautiful women faces. The name of his painting style is called ÀBÈFÉ meaning (pleaded to be loved) which is his native name”
“Nigeria has witnessed art collectors like yemisi shyllon with over 8000 works of art, Nike with about 7000, Josephine oboh Macleod with 6000, etc but all of their artworks are collections of other artists to make up that numbers and they are in their late 50s and above compare to Ayegbayo Damola with estimated over 1000 works.”
He noted also that “artwork is the center for rallying avenue for the cultural value of the state cultural heritage and confirmation of its appellation as the citadel of culture and tradition.”
He commended the governor of the state for his continued efforts in improving arts.
Director-General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Adbullahi Muku, said: “People have come to realize that art can be an alternative to the oil we have over time relied on. Through art, employment is being created. Most of the time, artists are not looking for government work but are looking for an environment to thrive in most of the time,”
According to the Former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola believes that culture is at the basis of international tourism and has facilitated growth and allowed various sections of societies to participate in development processes.
Also present, was the custodian of the people’s culture, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi paid glowing tributes to the past and present leaders in the State, while expressing happiness over the progress his State has made. He also cautioned politicians not to play politics that could divide the country