By Tajudeen Sowole
After a Retreat in Lagos, 12
finalists who have been shortlisted from over two hundred entrants are
currently on their way towards articulating the concept for the eighth edition
of national art competition organised by African Artists Foundation (AAF), with
the sponsorship of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc.
While unveiling
the artists at NB Plc's Bar, Iganmu, Lagos, the
sponsors traced the trajectory
of the competition through its primary aim set eight years ago. Corporate
Affairs Adviser, NB Plc Mr. Kufre Ekanem recalled that the competition was
aimed at promoting "conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria
and raise awareness on relevant social issues through the use of diverse
creative, artistic expressions."
For one
week, the 12 finalists: Adetunwase Adenle, Funmi Akindejoye, Michael Ametuo,
Chinenye Emelogu, Maryam Kazeem, May Okafor, Komi Olafimihan, Ngozi Omeje,
Babatunde Oyeyemi, Folami Razaq, Sabastine Ugwuoke and Stacey Okparavero
engaged the theme Future Histories at
Artists Retreat in preparation for the grand finale, which holds in November
this year. A few months ago, the organisers released the theme with a focus on
projecting into artists' contribution to the socio-economic as well as
political development of their immediate community.
"This year’s edition is challenging
budding artists to come up with interpretation to the theme, Future Histories,” Ekanem told select
guests during the unveiling. “With this theme our intention is to stimulate our
participating artists to think laterally about the social, political and
cultural climate of their local communities while exploring their creativity."
The journey to the selection of 12 finalists
started with a call for entry, the artists’ retreat and currently heading to
the final exhibition and announcement of winners.
Ekanem explained the competition's aim of
supporting the dreams of emerging artists in as many as diverse mediums as
painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation and video art. He
boasted, "We are proud that the National Art Competition has become a
leading platform for the development of contemporary artists in Nigeria."
Primarily,
NB Plc, Ekanem stated, has what he described as "our philosophy of winning
with Nigeria" by recognising the strength of ‘the arts’ in promoting
"cultural values of our society." He added that sponsoring the
competition would remain "a significant part of a broad spectrum of
initiatives which cover diverse areas such as health, water, education, talent
development and youth empowerment across the country."
Director
of AAF, Mr. Azu Nwagbogu encouraged the 12 finalists by invoking the revered
name of the chair of the selection panel, Prof. El Anatsui. He argued that
Anatsu, being a great art scholar as head of the jury, adds strength to the
competition.
The grand finale closes with a juried
exhibition, scheduled for November when winners would emerge. The prizes
include N2 million, solo exhibition and a trip to Dubai for the first place
winner while Outstanding Concept and Outstanding Production get N1 million
each. Beyond the prizes, all the participants would have felt the impact and
got the benefit of the competition.
"More importantly, all the finalists
would have been provided a platform to launch their careers as future greats in
the arts," he stated.
The panel of judges led by Anatsui, according
to the organisers, "considered each proposal on the grounds of its
originality, creativity and clarity in relation to the theme." Also placed
in consideration was the description of materials and technique submitted in
each artist’s application. But the selection, despite the criteria, was said to
have come with its challenges.
"These criteria made the selection
process difficult, especially as the works employed diverse mediums and ideas in
their portrayal of the theme," a statement said.
Present
at the event was a former winner and beneficiary of the competition, Mr. Emmanuel
Dudu who shared his post-national competition experience.
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