The painting of Arugungun festival by impressionistic artist Wilson Agu, ushered guests into the newly established Art Gallery at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two.
The place was agog with artistic zest Agu’s exhibition berthed penultimate weekend and would run till the end of the month. The painting was one of the over 20 works of paintings and sculptures on display in diverse areas of life. The event, which was anchored by Nollywood actor Mofe Duncan, drew dignitaries from all spheres of business and art worlds.
The exhibition was a major highlight at the official launch of the Art Gallery at MMA2 Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) as part of activities marking its 16th anniversary.
Speaking at the launch of the gallery, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin, said the company is committed to promoting such initiatives, the gallery was part of moves to up its game in the hospitality business. “People can relax, unwind and shop, even as they travel,”
The philosophical appeal of Agu’s painting depicting Nigeria’s political trajectory excited guests. As Nigeria matches into a new republic, like “a prophet crying in the wildness”, his painting, entitled: “Contention for power”, warns the incoming government of the unseen forces that often militates against the better judgement of the political leadership in the country. The painting is both political as it is historic: it shows a representative of all the heads of states, using their caps. While the battle for survival by the caps is on, you’d see the electorates watching from a distance. “The Lion-like sprite on the ground depicts the demons confronting our leaders when they get to the throne; while the people standing by the side are the electorates.”
He said: “We are not doing enough” whereas, there is potential to do better, but all hands must be on deck to change the present trend and narrative.”
As an engineer, who delved into arts over 32 years ago, his works seem to reflect the influences he has had in the past. When asked about the choice of his works, Agu stated: “the exhibition showcased his works are on leisure, commentaries on the society, as well as women, all bothering on arts forms and movements over time.”
Also, a large number of his works had women motifs.
On his keen interest in women, Agu declared that they (women) are a unique gender, saying that his interest was rooted in the significant roles they play in every society. According to him, “Most cultures appreciate women, it is, however, unfortunate that Africa was the least that accords due recognition to women.”
According to Agu, who is the CEO of the gallery, the project is beyond the normal buying and selling of arts, or exposing people to the arts and updating the same, revealing that another component of the initiative was a section to profile celebrities – achievers, arts collectors, individually or through organisations.
His words, “Airport is a peculiar facility meant to be the parlour of the country, a parlour of stage, just like you make your room and leave your parlour for the stranger. As a welcoming space, it ought to be a foremost projector of our culture. I commend BASL for its foresight in leading the pack to having a first-of-its-kind gallery at an airport. I thank the Bi-Courtney Chair, Dr. Babalakin, for approving the initiative and creating a space for its realisation.
“The initiative, which began as a “discussion” was to create a platform where arts can lead, thrive and interact with the people. The place would promote the arts, tourism and is meant to have an interaction, creating a platform for young artists to interact with the art collectors; for the connoisseurs.”
On his part, BASL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Oluwatosin Onalaja, said the company recognises the importance of the arts in travels and tourism and its contributions to the economy.
The launch, which had gallery’s curator Anthonia Nze, was attended by artists, curators, art ambassadors, such as former Editor, The Guardian on Saturday, Jahman Anikulapo; award-winning travel journalist, Pelu Awofeso; academia, senior aviation and arts correspondents, Principal Officers of Bi-Courtney, manager of MMA2 and staff.
