How Jideonwor celebrated art from Africa at 19th Asian Art Biennale

'Heading West' (acrylic on canvas, 48x36, dated 2020) by Gabriel Jideonwor, shown at Asian Bienniale... recently.

WITHIN a period of 18 months, artist and gallerist, Gabriel Jideonwor asserted his efforts in pushing art from Africa through the global space. 

Jideonwor showed at the 2021 edition of Biennial of Sacred Contemporary Art, in Menton,  France. And few months ago, his art was among representatives of other countries shown from 8 December 2022 - 7 January 2023, at the 19th Asian Art Biennale, Dhaka, Bangladesh 2022.

Excited that the 19th Asian Bienniale featured his art as the only representative from Nigeria,  Jideonwor said "one of the major achievements is the fact that I was the only Nigerian artist in the Asian biennale just like the other (biennale) in France.

 Jideonwor showed at the 2021 edition of Biennial of Sacred Contemporary Art, in Menton, France. The event featured works of masters such as Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dali, Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, Henri Matisse, Henry Moore, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, among others. Located in Bacs Palace of the Ambassadors 3, Rue Partouneaux - Menton, France, the Biennial of Sacred Contemporary Art  showcased more than 150 artists from 18 countries. In the 2021 edition,  Jideonwor who is also the CEO of Vivid Exclusive Art Gallery, Lagos showed at the biennale that consisted of both the departed and living masters.

For the Asian Bienniale, it was an amalgamation of enchanting arts and creative art forms that brought together 114 countries and 493 artists under one roof at the heart of Dhaka. The Asian Bienniale, which had its theme as "Home and Displacement", celebrated Nigeria as beautiful Bangladesh children waved different countries flag including the Nigerian flag during the grand opening ceremony at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.  

 During the opening, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised on the rich history of arts, and how artists brought revolution through their bold art forms.

"Any nation's sense of self is expressed through its art culture. From the artist's canvas, country or nation's political, cultural, and natural surroundings are shown which boosts consciousness in people. Our artists have played a pivotal role in the language movement and independence for our country," said Sheikh Hasina.

After showing at the two Bienniales, Jideonwor is now set to leap through those gains to take art from Africa to greater heights.  He argued that his participation at the Asian Bienniale "was a plus for art in Africa." 

Beyond, 2023,  Jideonwor assured followers if his art that he will keep building on his recent achievements to take a new leap in his career. He specifically laid emphasis on young artists as parts of his gallery promotions. "Young artists of my generation who are yet to get exposure come into my focus, going forward into 2023 and beyond."