A-ARTs: How artists recorded big sales at AMIAF's 'Sculptors Odyssey'

Guests, including Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya, viewing a section of AMIAF 2024 edition.

AFTER three days of large scale exhibition at the just concluded third edition of ArtMiabo International Art Festival AMIAF, the results of sales showed that most of the exhibited artists had great patronage. Also, from the high number of guests that visited the masterly display of exhibits, AMIAF 2024 opened a new chapter in large scale art exhibition as the biggest art event in every Q1 of Nigerian art economy.

Curated by Yusuf Durodola, the 2024 edition of AMIAF, which held from April 29-May 1 at EbonyLife Centre Victoria Island, Lagos opened with a forum themed The Art Economy, asserting the festival's big role in shaping 21st century creative business of Africa. AMIAF 2024 was supported by partners such as Multichoice Nigeria, JCDecaux, Orijin, WakaEvents and VandykeSports, exposing the corporate sector's confidence in the Miabo Enyadike-led yearly festival.

As the event took off with The Art Economy, moderated by Art and Media Advisor, Tajudeen Sowole, the panelists engaged in areas such as history of art sales in Nigeria, marketing and presentation. The panelists included prominent art collector, Prince Shyllon who gave a background of the topic to the the forum with his rich knowledge of the global art economy. Other discussants included Emeka Enyadike who provided tips for artists and art promoters on the method and approach of attracting corporate sponsors for art exhibitions; curator, Matthew Oyedele shared his experience and challenges of managing artists and exhibitions; and artist, Dotun Popoola narrated his hard-fought journey to successes, there was no rules in art economy that couldn't be broken.

With over 40 artworks on display, the big sales of the even, among others included Pius Waritimi's Fisherman's Parlour, which Enyadike disclosed "has found a new home," at the close of the event. Also bought was Ojelade Abdlquadr's Scrap Metal Artwork Kike Oluburo as Enyadike described the success as Abdlquadr's own "Odyssey as a Sculptor." Another metal by Abu Momogima titled 'MAESTRO WRAP UP', mounted at the reception of the venue also go appreciated in big sale. "Abu was introduced to the collectors and had the privilege of installing it in their home himself and he did a brilliant job of educating them on the inspiration behind this masterpiece," Enyadike disclosed.

More of interest, from the emerging artists came Odushe Ifeoluwa Daniel whose work also found a buyer. He had entry into the exhibition as one of the AMIAF Slots, a dedicated section for emerging and young artists. From the same AMIAF Slot section, another emerging artist, Blessing Proven, so sold a sculpture titled Bull-ish. Among others sold pieces, few days after the exhibition was Akim Dipeolu's 'Readiness'. Ahead of the exhibition, AMIAF announced Ojegoke Pelumi, Azeez Kausarat, Blessing Proven and Ifeoluwa Odushe for AMIAF Slot 2024.

During the opening, founder of AMIAF, Enyadike hosted VIPs such as the Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa who was represented by a powerful delegation from different Federal Government agencies. The delegation included CEO, National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele; Director-General, National Commission for Museums Monuments (NCMM), Mr Olugbile Holloway; and a director from National Gallery of Art (NGA) Mr Mufu Onifade duly represented the Minister.

The event came to a close wafter master printmaker, Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and renowned textile artist, Mrs Nike Davies Okundaye handed AMIAF Awards to the recepients. "We are truly honored, with the presence of Prof Onobrakpeya at this year's AMIAF," Enyadike announced, receiving the 93-year-,old master printmaker. The four awardees of AMIAF Sculptors Odyssey at the night included representative of Oliver Enwonwu who received the award on behalf of the late modernist, Ben Enwonwu; as well as other recepients Waritimi, Dr Adeola Balogun, Dr Dotun Popoola and Adebisi Adebayo.

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