Cast, welded metal art practice disparity in post-modern Nigeria

A welded metal sculpture titled Sunflower by Olu Amoda. Pic: c/o of the artist.

TRACKING art of sculpture, from ancient Africa to post-modern period, has exposed time disparity between the two basic sub-medium of cast and welded metal. While the cast medium made its formal entry during colonial period, welded metal didn't emerge into mainstream space until the late 1970 to early 1980s.

As a source from which the world's artistic and technological advancement emerged, metal was hardly missing among African craftsmen of ancient ages. Being the parent source that covers silver, bronze, tin, gold, lead and iron, metal had been used across ages in Africa. In modern and contemporary context, metal art is sub-divided into welded and cast medium, based on the above listed derivatives. However, works and practice in cast metal, particularly bronze, has dwarfed that of the welded medium in modern and contemporary Nigerian art environment. While casting and smithing, in Africa, have history rooted in ancient periods, the former appears to be more resilient despite the latter's advantage in welding technology. 

Against suspicion, curators struggle in post-independence Nigeria

Godwin Adesoye's 'New Market' (oil and charcoal on canvas, 5ft x 4ft, 2015). Pic: c/o Translucent S.I.

DURING 60 years of post-independence Nigeria, curatorial practice was hardly active in mainstream exhibition circuits. Strangely too, some artists in Nigeria, still do not agree that artistic presentation requires critical input from a professional not involved in the creation of their art; they view curators through the prism of suspicion. 

At 60, Ayoade shows 'Faces and Figures', celebrates with 'twin sister' Nigeria

Uncertainty (alcohol ink on yupo paper, 2019), by Mukaila Ayoade. Pic: c/o the artist.   

FROM working in Lagos, Nigeria, to his current base in Chicago, U.S., artist Mukaila Ayoade brings into a single space his oeuvre of over 30 years.

Ayoade, whose mastery in collage painting covered quite some art appreciation grounds in Nigeria before his relocation to the US, opens a solo show titled Expressions: Faces and Figures Collection on October 1, 2020 at Bridgeport Art Center, West 35th Street Chicago Illinois. The exhibition of about 45 works marks the artist's 60th birthday and also serves as his contribution to six decades celebration of Nigeria's independence anniversary.

Self-reporting by celebrities killing gossip news media

Actress, Idowu Philips.
Pic: c/o Translucent S.I. Communication.

 

AS the new media space provides more freedom for everyone to publish their story, gossip journalism may be heading towards extinction. Most vulnerable are celebrity reporting desks of established news media organisations in Africa.

In Suowari's monochrome strokes, beauty, fashion blossom

  Ama' (ink and acrylic on paper, 5 x 8ft, 2020) by Jacqueline Suowari. Pic: from the artist.

DESPITE being the oldest form of art, figurative painting has been defined differently by each generation of artists across cultures. In the unfolding world of 21st century contemporary art that is giving figurative painting diverse tones, Jacqueline Suowari is one of such artists, whose brushstroke and ballpoint of fluidity are in romantic flow with monochromatic contents.

Future of Fuji music against past golden four decades

Founder of Fuji music, Chief  (Dr) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (February 9, 1948-December 16, 2010). Pic: from 1991 album cover.

  
AS a teenage boy, growing up in Mushin, a Lagos suburb of the 1970s, the unfolding interest of the people in modern traditional music was, subconsciously, observed. Irrespective of what religion anyone belonged, it was impossible not to notice how every dawn period in the month of Ramadan included the 'Ajisari' culture, a musical known then as 'Were.'

NGA-NCMM merger 'suspended' as new DGs emerge

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture.

With the newly announced appointments of Director-Generals for both National Gallery of Art (NGA) and National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the anticipated merger of the two government agencies under Ministry of Information and Culture may have been suspended.

Remembering Dr Adadevoh with '93 Days' of proudly Nigerian courage

Patrick Sawyer (Keppy Ekpeyoung) in '93 Days'

As Nigerians, today, remember Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, a frontline medic who stopped the deadly Ebola disease from spreading in the country, the film that recaptures the tragic story comes as a major memory till date.

Thought Pyramid celebrates contemporary masters

Directors of Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Ovie Omatsoka and Jeff Ajueshi.

Exiting the first two decades of 21st century, art in Nigeria will step into a new dawn, specifically from next year. A select group of artists under Thought Pyramid Art Centre-led new project are getting set to boost their pioneering antecedence in full-time studio  practice.

Nsikak Essien (1957-2020), master of experimental art

Nsikak Essien (1957-2020)

Another prominent artist, Nsikak Essien, passed on, Wednesday night in Lagos. Essien, died of yet to be identified cause.

Olaku, Ogiugo others in 'DeFiAnCe' against pandemic

A piece by Edosa Ogiugo titled 'Black Princess' (Uvbi Ne Khui), pastel on paper, 16.5x23.4 inches, dated 2020.

In its debut art exhibition, a new entrant, Breath Of Hope Africa Gallery has assembled 20 artists, from across two generations.

FG announces stimulus for creative, hotel other industries

Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo

As the federal government, on Thursday, announced a stimulus for the MSMEs of the economic sectors, the creative industry seemed to have been included, perhaps, based on the report of the committee set up by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

In a statement by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the creative sector, private schools, hotels, and road transport workers among others, will benefit from the stimulus package of the federal  government.. The stimulus, specifically, he explained, is for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic economic crisis. Osinbajo who spoke at the 2020 edition of the MSMEs Awards, said the support scheme had been covered by the government’s Economic Sustainability Plan.

Today, FG hands over National Arts Theatre to CBN, Bankers' Committee

National Theatre, Lagos.

A major shift in the culture sector took place few hours ago as the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed led the federal government delegation in the handing over of the National Arts Theatre complex, Iganmu, Lagos to the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee.


In attendance, according to sources from the government were the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; the CEO, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy and other top officials in the state government.