Friday 29 July 2022

For 'Generation 5 - Future Masters', art of aesthetics, investment values at Mydrim Gallery

Artworks on display being viewed by visitors during the opening of Generation 5-Future Masters at Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos...on Sunday.

TAIWO Abisoye, Unyime Edet, Ayooluwa Akinrinola, Wahab Aromire, Oghenetega Ekpokpobe, Olaitan Daniel, Shade Fagorusi and Edward Samuel are the artists of Generation 5-Future Masters, whose paintings, sculptures and mixed media art opened as a group exhibition on Sunday, July 24, showing till August 8, 2022 at Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

As a yearly exhibition, Generation-Future Masters took off over five years ago as a collaborative efforts of Mydrim Gallery and artist, Abiodun Olaku, creating platform for young artists to showcase their skills.

"Year 2022 has been a very diff- icult year for many ndividuals... what with inflation, insecurity, strikes, job losses, unemploy- ment, disruption in power supply, petrol queues …the list is endless," stated Founder of Mydrim Gallery, Sinmidele Adesanya. "It is highly commendable that in spite of all these issues, our eight carefully selected artists have been able to produce this amazing collection of art pieces." 

The exhibiting artists, according to Adesanya have qualified to participate in Generation 5-Future Masters series having met all the requirements set for the platform. The gathering, she emphasised was set up to encourage and sustain high standards in creating art. "They have distinguished themselves as excellent professional artists exhibiting creativity, skill, draughtsmanship and an all round spirit of excellence."

Mydrim Gallery boasted of what it described as "unique pieces" being on display at the exhibition for the delight of collectors. "What wiser decision than to enjoy the beauty of the artwork and the aesthetic value it adds to your space even as it increases in financial value over time."

About the exhibiting artists:

Taiwo Abisoye (b 1993), is a contemporary Nigerian Sculptor. He obtained a Ordinary National Diploma Certificate (OND) from Obafemi Awolowo University and subsequently, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the same University in 2018.

He specializes in creating amazing sculptures from scrap metal. It is interesting watching him !breathe life” into the scrap and transform the ugly into the magnificent. The sizes of his sculptures range from small pieces, suitable for display indoors to larger sizes for display outdoors or in public spaces. He has participated in several art exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad . His sculptures have also sold in local art auctions . He has participated in several workshops, amongst which are "Up Cycling The New Economy” organised by IICD center in collaboration with the US Embassy and "Meet At The Square" organised by Made Culture.

He is a committed member of the Society of Nigerian Artists ( SNA).

Unyime Edet (b 1994), hails from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 

He graduated from the University of Uyo, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Painting . His National Youth Service year was spent at the Federal University of Lafia, Nassarawa State where he taught painting and drawing. 

He is a figurative painter and an illustrator. He strives to depict hidden truth about life in his works His quest for knowledge and improvement of his skills led him to participate in several workshops. He also trained in the studio of renown artist Ebenezer Akinola.

He has to his credit several group exhibitions such as "Artforms', 2018; "Echoes of Wonders#, 2018; "Affordable Art Fair' at Dream Home Gallery, Abuja, 2018; "Next of kin', Lagos, 2020; and "Genesis", Los Angeles 2021. 

He was the Illustrator of the 4th edition of "Half of a Yellow Sun', by acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Adichie published by Folio Society, London 2022.

Ayooluwa Akinrinola (b 1991), a sculptor, graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art in 2013. Thereafter he was mentored by a number of Nigerian master artists and has now honed his skills. He works with diverse materials ranging from terracotta, metal scraps to motorcycle chains. 

He has mastered the technique of creating incredible 3 dimensional models from scrap motorcycle chains. Through his incredible sculptures, he examines the different phases of the Nigerian society over the last 62 years. His works reflect the complexity of our social issues, particularly his own experiences in the Nigerian society.

The artist is intentional about creating art pieces that generate audience participation.They are amazing conversation pieces.

He has participated in numerous group exhibitions and workshops. 

He is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists ( SNA) and Sculptors Association of Nigeria (ScAN).

Wahab Aromire (b 1977), graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic with Higher National Diploma (HND) in 2012 receiving the award for overall best student in Art and Industrial Design.

He is a very passionate, prolific, multi media Painter and Sculptor working and experimenting with pastel, oil, acrylic, watercolor ,acrylic, ink wash, mosaic, fiber glass, wood and metal.

Aromire's paintings are full of energy and have a very strong visual impact. It is very interesting viewing his paintings as he assists you in unraveling the layers of the !hidden” messages in them , guaranteeing his audience a delightful experience. 

Aromire has exhibited extensively in Nigeria and abroad and his works can be found in notable art collections. He is a member of Society of Nigerian Artists ( SNA), Universal Studios of Art, Iganmu, Lagos and UR4africa. 

Oghenetega Ekpokpobe (b 1991) graduated from the University of Benin, Nigeria with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine and Applied Arts in 2015.

Oghenetega started sculpting at the university in 2013. He was greatly inspired and influenced by master sculptor, Fidelis Odogwu who mentored him at the Universal Studios of Art, where he was attached for his Industrial training. 

He joined the Universal studios of Art, Iganmu, Lagos in 2019 and began his full time professional studio practice. 

His sculptures are a reflection of his personal experiences and view of societal occurrences.

He strongly believes art is lifestyle and he plans to live it well.

Olaitan O. Daniel (b 1990), and studied Fine and Applied Art at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education where he graduated with a National Certificate in Education in 2015.

He currently works as an art instructor. He credits the outdoor Pleinair painting experience for inspiring him to work better with colours. This has enabled him to add aesthetic value to his environment and humanity through his paintings. 

A section of the 'Generation 5 - Future Masters'  exhibition during opening.

Shade R. Fagorusi (b 1991), graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with a B.A.(Ed) degree in Fine and Applied Arts in 2012.

She is a young, creative, and innovative visual artist. Shade renders her artworks with needle and knitting yarn (Embroidery). She documents anonymous characters that form the fabric of the society. 

She has a passion for capturing facial expressions, feelings and moods that constitute the human physiognomy. Shade acclaimed for her dexterity in the use of thread has won several prizes which include: Justice Aniagolu Prize for Originality in 2015, at "Life In My City Arts Festival"; Best Entry in Ibadan Zone at the "Life In My City Arts Festival" 2016; and Best Textile Art at the "Life In My City Arts Festival", 2019. 

She was nominated to represent Nigeria at the International Women Artist Exhibition/ Conference in UAE 2019. She was also nominated at The Entrepreneur Africa Awards 2019 in the Creative Arts Category. She represented Nigeria at the International Women's Art Exhibition(100 women, 100 countries) in Dubai, 2020 and also featured in the "Art book Women Artist#$around the world 5th edition. She is one of the 18 artists sponsored by Prof El-Anatsui to participate in Dak'art Biennial Off exhibition 2022. 

She has participated in several group exhibitions within and outside Nigeria and she has her works in the collections of corporate and individual collectors.

Edward Samuel (b 1988), is a prolific mosaic artist who graduated with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos in 2010. He was the best graduating Art student in his set. He later trained under renown master artist, Mr Olu Ajayi, a former SNA chairman.

Since 2010, he has studied and mastered the technique of mosaic tiles as his main medium of expression. He has exhibited in several group shows locally and internationally over the years amongst which are "Limcaf 2018#, where he won the award for the most promising artist. He recently exhibited in Dak#art biennale 2022, a member of SNA, Araism.  

He has executed over 30 commissioned mosaic artworks for homes , schools, hospitals, churches, galleries and hotels.

He finds his work very fulfilling. Beyond the art of designing or creating,he derives immense satisfaction from physically building a work of art, piece by piece with the infinite ranges of colors and texture he selects. It gives him joy and reassures him of the endless possibilities. 

He is a member of Society of Nigerian Artists and Araism.

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