As a follow-up to their previous successful outings, Nduka F. Onyia, a member of the Anderson Art Center, South Carolina , USA led five other Nigerian artists to yet another exciting group exhibition titled Common Front.
The exhibition, which opened recently at Anderson Art Centre, South Carolina, US, was a demonstration of the artists resolve to work in unison and show the world what Nigeria is capable of producing in the area of art.
Other artists include Folami Razaq, Bimbo Adenugba, Olayinka Kasali, Dudu Emmanuel, and Moses Oghagbon, The group show, which is curated by Erin Spainhour and Tracy Weiss will run till October 4.
According to Onyia, convener of the exhibition,”We are not just coming out, we were out during the COVID 19 pandemic that held the world hostage and the outcome of that art exhibition was what inspired us to come out again this year. Yes, the whole world was in turmoil during the COVID 19 pandemic, but we were undaunted in making a difference that has positive impacts on the larger communities.
” In line with African value systems, we believe in unity, we thrive in collaboration and we enjoy showcasing the positive cultural values of our forefathers . Here we are again ‘
One of Onyia’s works is titled ‘The Depth of Solitude’, a Copper foil measuring 18×36 inches.
For Adenugba his ‘Market Hub,’ an acrylic on canvas mirrors the trade or commercial inclinations prevalent in the city of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
He believed that his work is not just about Nigerian colours alone, but about the global connection .
” We want to make a name, projects the need to explore African Arts . Tap into it and see both the hidden and existing talents and also paint a new narrative for Nigeria.
Folami, a talented artist and curator has been very active in Nigerian visual art scene before moving to the US. To him, the show is about retelling significant African stories in an educative artistic manner.
” We are painting a new narrative for Nigeria , our beloved Motherland . We are showcasing our cultural heritage and survival to the larger community . I am sure one would want to know the meaning of Egungun or Masquerades , the significant and spiritual connotations. This exhibition is a collective gathering which is an avenue to promote African art globally and positively,” Folami said.
Kasali uses wood dust to create intricate designs and textures and one of such works is titled ‘Glorious waves” measuring 42″× 28″× 11″ Kasali disclosed that he uses wood dust and resin to produce the work in order to harness the creative potentials as well as minimizing risks and environmental effects
” I plan to do more exhibitions in the future with this group. We are out to beautiful the world and also to reduce waste while focusing on sustainability”, he added.
Oghagbon, who is known for his consistent painting of Argungun fishing in Kebbi state has Passion, Brotherhood, and Homeward, all oil on canvas for display at the exhibition.
” Yes, there is passion in what we do . There is a need for excellence. This is why we are painting the picture of excellence abroad,” Oghagbon said.
On his works, Dudu said: “Being an artist living in Africa, I am inspired more by my immediate environment and culture. I do not subscribe to the idea of one’s art being restrained to some traditional belief or way of life of a particular region or sub-region. I want people to appreciate my work generally; I want my audience to see me as an artist, not necessarily an African artist”
Some of his paintings on display are Mother of two (series 1 and 2), Dance of rehearsal among others.