sna
Society of Nigerian Artists
Newsletter
Since 1963
In This Issue
MARCH 2017 EDITION
Arthouse Scores High Despite Economic Recession
Greetings from the President Tribute
Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, OFR (1944–2016)
News, Events & Announcements Icon
Kolade Oshinowo
Artist of the Week Sor Sen
Feature
The International Institute for Creative Development
Exhibitions
Onobrakpeya and the Harmattan Workshop Who Will Blink First? From left to right: Oliver Enwonwu (President SNA), Bisi Silva (director CCA Lagos), Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Minister of Information and Culture), Mrs Nike Okunday, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (Governor of Lagos State), DG (NCMM), Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Lagos State Commisioner for Culture and Tourism
On March 6, 2017, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode unveiled plans by his administration to transform some landmark areas on the Marina and Onikan axis of the state into a world class tourism and entertainment centre.
Mission
To uphold excellence and engender the highest professional standards in the practice of the visual arts in Nigeria while encouraging its appreciation through publications, research, education and exhibitions. Published by the: Society of Nigerian Artists in association with Revilo Company Limited 24, Ikoyi Crescent Ikoyi, Lagos Tel: +234 818 455 3331, +234 802 314 4881 To advertise, please contact: Chidimma Nwankwo Publicity Secretary (National) chidimma@snanational.org xquisitegallery@yahoo.com +234 703 545 1016
At the presentation, he disclosed that the state government would soon commence the construction of a brand new museum as an integral part of its strategy to become self-sufficient and secure its prosperity. The governor further explained that Presidential Lodge, Marina, recently handed over to the state by President Muhammadu Buhari, will be redeveloped into the Lagos Heritage Centre for Leadership. He also stated that the Lagos House would be transformed into the Lagos Historical Centre, while J.K Randle Arcade will be remodeled into a recreation /tourism centre. Part of the project will be the reviving of the museum in Onikan in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. A highlight of the event which was held at the Grand Ball Room of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria, Island, Lagos was a panel discussion themed The Museum as a Tool for Driving Tourism, Arts and Culture. Panelists were; Prince Oluyemisi Shyllon- foremost art collector and founder, Omooba Yemisi Art Foundation (OYASAF); Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman-Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments(NCMM); Chief (Mrs.) Nike Davies Okundayefounder, Nike Art Gallery ,Lagos; and Mr Oliver Enwonwu- President, Society of Nigeria Artists and founder,Omenka Gallery. Bisi Silva, founder and Artistic Director, Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA Lagos) was the moderator. Ben Enwonwu,Crowd Scene, 1951, pencil and watercolour on paper, 43 X 63.5cm
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE President Oliver Enwonwu Vice President South East Diseye Tantua Vice President, North Atiku Abubakar Vice President, North Central Dr Adam Sheikh Lemu Honourable General-Secretary Archibong Bassey
Greetings from the President
Treasurer Yemi Oladipo Assistant General-Secretary Binta Garba Financial Secretary Bola Adalumo Publicity Secretary Chidimma Nwankwo Ex-Officios Sir Chuka Nnabuife Dr Harrie Bazunu Comrade David Aigbe
We begin this edition on a mounful note, having lost one of our greatest patrons, Chief Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi, OFR. A renowned economist, he passed away last Wednesday.On a lighter note, we bring to you a brief recap of Arthouse Contemporary’s November sales.With top-selling works achieving 8 - digit numbers, the auctions don’t seem like they are slowing down in these tough economic times. This feat highlights the rising value of Nigerian and indeed, African art as a veritable store for wealth. Also, featured this week is recently concluded Anambra State Chapter’s international art conference themed the Heritage and Cultural Identity in Nigeria, while Sor Sen is making us proud, with works like Peaceful Dreams as our ‘‘Artist of the Week’’. We also profile celebrated artist, Kolade Oshinowo who is our ‘‘Icon” of the week.For those who wish to be featured in this segment, kindly send photos of yourself, as well as of your work, a short profile and artist’s statement for consideration. Victoria Udondian, former Publicity Secretary of the national executive and Nengi Omuku, a member of the Rivers State Chapter are among the five artists announced recently as Arthouse Foundation residency recipients.Udondian lives and works between Lagos and New York. Her works have been exhibited internationally at the; Charles Gallery, New York(2015);London Art Fair (2014); Whitworth Gallery in Manchester (2012); and the Bagfactory Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nengi Omuku completed her BA and MA at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London. She has held solo and group exhibitions in the UK and Nigeria, and now lives and works in Nigeria.
Society of Nigerian Artists
Are you an artist? Are you where you belong? Do you have recognition from your professional body?
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Dear Member,
Since 1963
Take a stand now! Join the Society of Nigerian Artists Have access to international recidencies and oppurtunities. Benefit from numerous networking and training opportunities. Membership is also open to painters, graphic designers, ceramists, photographers, sculptors, computer illustrators and students. Forms are available at: Suite 5, Art and Craft Village, Central Business District, Abuja www.snanational.org Enquires: Archibong Bassey Honourable General-Secretary (National) T: 08035100257 archibong@snanational.org basseyplus@yahoo.com
We also felicitate with our Assistant General-Secretary (National), Hajia Binta Garba who was honoured as the ‘‘Outstanding Principal of the Year’’ by the Institute of Human and Natural Resources. Also, covered in exquisite photography are the official visit of our President(North Central) Dr Adam Sheikh Lemu to the Abuja State Chapter and the National Council of Arts and Culture, Abuja.There are also insightful exhibitions reviews of Onobrakpeya and the Harmattan Workshop and Who Will Blink First ?, as well as a profile on the Abuja-based International Institute for Creative Development, led by Nduwhite Ahanonu. Stay tuned for even more in this week’s bumper edition. Please feel free to also utilise this newsletter platform for announcements of special occasions like exhibitions, talks, seminars, conferences and personal events like performances, birthdays, weddings and child dedications. Kindly forward all information to Chidimma Nwankwo, Publicity Secretary (National) at xquisitegallery@gmail.com. We also urge advertisers to take advantage of the newsletter’s broad reach, in re- positioning their businesses. The e-newsletter is presently distributed to members, collectors, high net-worth individuals, the diplomatic community, as well as international curators and museums. We look forward to your feedback as we strive to serve you all better, Oliver Enwonwu
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TRIBUTE
Tribute to Late Ben Osaghae
The Society of Nigerian Artists regrets to announce the passing away of our member, and leading Nigerian contemporary artist Ben Osaghae who passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the age of 55, leaving behind an indelible print on the Nigerian art scene. He was born on June 23, 1962 in Benin City, Nigeria, where he had his primary and secondary school education. He studied General Art at the Auchi Polytechnic and graduated as the best student in his class in 1986, earning the Rector’s Award for Excellence. Upon graduation, Osaghae was offered a position to teach painting, drawing and art history at his alma mater, a role he held between 1990 and 1995. He later moved to Lagos where he soon established an active studio practice.
of the social realists of the 19th and 20th century, Osaghae has a high view of the mission of the artist – and his artin society. He observes the world around him and gently tries to say and do something about it. But he is not a political reformer painting political propaganda… Osaghae’s works are in a different space, one not occupied by either ‘art-for-art’s-sake’ or ‘art-aspropaganda.” Much of Osaghae’s legacy is hinged on this engagement of the socio-political ills of his country, including extortion and injustice by the Nigeria police and judicial systems. Some of his paintings like Marriage of Justice (2001) Prey and Predator (2011), Unfair Sentence (2013), Cell Mates (2005) have won critical acclaim. Through his works, Ben Osaghae inspired and touched many including a younger generation of artists, collectors, students and enthusiasts alike. He will be greatly missed.
Jess Castellote and Akinyemi Adetunji in their recent monograph Osaghae: Visual Chronicles of a Society in Flux described the artist thus: “Like most
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NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SNA Akwa Ibom, after a breakfast meeting with Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism
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NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Victoria Idongesit Udondian and Nengi Omuku Announced as Arthouse Foundation Residency Recipients
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NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SNA Akwa Ibom Chapter Collaborates with the USA based NGO SNA Akwa Ibom chapter collaborating with the USA based NGO to help the poor but talented Akwa ibom children
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NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SNA FCT member won China Cultural Centre competiton SNA FCT member Iloanya Onyeka won second prize at the China cultural Centre image drawing competition which was done last year
Send forth of Mr Yan of the Chinese Cultural Center
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NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Society of Nigerian Artists Since 1963
Newsletter
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ICON
Ben Osawe (b. 1931-2007) Ben Osawe was born at Benin City to a family of traditional wood carvers. Osawe was first instructed by his father, already a reputable sculptor at the court of Oba Eweka II of Benin. In 1956, he began his formal studies in Art at the School of Graphic Art, London, and graduated in 1959. In 1960, he enrolled at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, completing his studies in Sculpture in 1965.That same year, he was one of five artists chosen to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Exhibition in Glasgow. In 1966, he returned to Nigeria to teach at University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was forced to flee to Lagos after the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war, where he worked in the atelier of his friend, artist Felix Idubor, till he opened his in Benin City in 1979.
Ben Osawe is widely recognized as one of Nigeria's major figures in sculpture and one of the most versatile. He worked in a variety of media including wood, cement, cast and welded metal. In his mature work, Osawe evolved from the lost wax technique to a quick-fill method using locally available
Untitled, 1999 bronze 52.5cm
materials. In his work, Osawe successfully fuses indigenous Nigerian traditions with European classical modernism. Since the 60s, Osawe's work has been shown in many exhibitions in Europe, Africa and the United States. In 1962 he took part in an exhibition of the Artists' International Association in London. A year later some of his works were shown in the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh. Since then, he has taken part in exhibitions all around the world including Lagos, New York and New Delhi. His works can be found in many public spaces and museums including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Lagos, and the cultural department of the Nigerian Ministry of Information. Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
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BIRTHDAYS
Godwin Adesoye
Bernard Chinedu Ogakwu
Olojo Kolawole
John Oyedemi
Abiodun Kafaru
Ezekiel Efe Ukoh
Etiido Inyang
Umeh Ifeanyichukwu Bede
Tolu Aliki
Kolade Osinowo
Olu Amoda
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BIRTHDAYS
Godwin Adesoye (Feb 26) Bernard Chinedu Ogakwu (Feb 19) Kingsley Omorefe Iyamu
Olojo Kolawole (Feb 18) John Oyedemi (Feb 17) Abiodun Kafaru ( Feb 17) Ezekiel Efe Ukoh ( Feb 16) Etiido Inyang (Feb 16)
Pam Makanju
Umeh Ifeanyichukwu Bede (Feb 12) Tolu Aliki (Feb 7) Kolade Oshinowo (Feb 6) Olu Amoda (Feb 6) Goddy Sandy (Feb 2) Daniel Ifon (Feb 2)
Chris Funke Ifeta
Ebenezer Akinola
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ARTIST OF THE WEEK
Oluwole Olawuyi Oluwole Olawuyi was born in 1989. He has participated in several art exhibitions. Some of his paintings have also been used as the front cover design by some publishing houses including Sevhage International. He is a full-time studio artist.
Preparation, 2015, acrylic on canvas, 90x120cm
International Institute for Creative Developent, Building Cross-Cultural Ties through Art In the midst of the Himalayas, overlooking the Kullu valley, lies a small town that was once home to a famous Russian family. Midsummer suits Naggar, which was formerly the capital of Kullu, and lies halfway between Kullu and Manali. The foliage is lush, the flowers in bloom, and the occasional slug makes its lazy way across my path. The clear sky allows for an unrestricted view of white capped peaks not so far away — a pristine beauty that has inspired landscape painters for generations. It was this beauty that likely tempted Nicholas Roerich to make Naggar his home in the latter part of his life. An artist, philosopher, scientist, scholar and quester — among other things — he lived in many places, but this small hamlet
After stimulating your mind at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2017, which will be held at the Diggi Palace from January 19-23, find your way around Jaipur, which is called the Pink City, the capital of north Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaipur was founded in 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city takes its name. Here’s a list of places worth a visit and things to do after you experience the literary slugfest. The Royal Tour Jaipur is a potent mix of old world charm and modern luxury. Its chaotic streets are dotted with royal architecture, dawdling camels, busy bazaars, and annoying vendors trying to sell you the bandhinis, block prints and mojris. Bite into those hot ghevars and pyaaz ki kachoris from Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar or popularly just called “LMB,” or, dive into the jangli maas and keema baatis at Spice Court. Historical Itinerary Society of Nigerian Artists Newsletter
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EXHIBITIONS
Onobrakpeya and the Harmattan Workshop
Bruce Onobrakpeya Gala day under the river,191.5 X 142cm
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EXHIBITIONS
EXHIBITIONS
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EXHIBITIONS
Who Will Blink First? Who Will Blink First? opened on November 11, 2016 at the Freedom Park, Lagos with a performance by Jelili Atiku. Other artists included Aderemi Adegbite (photography/film), Efe Paul Ajino (spoken word), Nkechi NwosuIgbo (installation) and Bob-nosa Uwagboe (mixed media). Presented by Mild Red Studios, Nkechi Nwosu-Igbo curated the performance. According to her, ‘‘There is a crucial need to create and improve new radical and well-founded tactics of fighting, surviving, and collective action to be able to exist in Nigeria of today. Who Will Blink First? suggests an arranged, time-based, three-dimensional village meeting where the exhibition hall serves as a site for the exchange of survival ideas. The idea units are prepared by four artists and one spoken-word performer, representing mixed media painting, literature, performance, installation, photography and film, and all units’ point of departure is education as a weapon in recession survival and engaging artistic approaches. A central emphasis of the art produced from each unitl show how acquired knowledge from personal experiences has formed the artists’ ideologies and helped them and others stand their ground against difficult times and political conflicts’’. Who Will Blink First? hopes to awaken the desire for individual dignity and to lose the urge to “blink first” in the face of undesirable economic conditionings or political exploitation. The artists speak about their work below: Aderemi, tell us about your work in Who Will Blink First? My work Summer Trips is a reflection of my moving around within spaces with similar history to mine. At times, I am aware of this connection and sometimes it takes years for me to connect the dots. This body of work explores two years of travelling between Germany and Czech Republic. And this effort presented in this show is inspired by the stamps I collected, the book by Franz Kafka given as a gift, and the photographs I made through the photo booths. Basically, the series is about movement and personal history. This is the reason I used text, stamps and photographs to narrate the story.
Jelili, tell us about your work in Who Will Blink First? In the exhibition, I will enact and install the objects of performance titled, Hunhun-un-un (Maanifesito V). The performance will attempt to question our sense of reasoning in sustaining our collective histories and memories. It will make reference to the 161-year-old (1855 – 2016) Oláìya Family House (popularly known as Ilojo Bar/Casa di Fernandez), which was declared a national monument in 1956 by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments but demolished by developers on September 11, 2016. The performance is one of the series in my on-going performance project, Maanifesito, which strives to make statements/comments on Nigerians’ political experiences that are characterized with “ multilateral forms of imperialism, colonial and neo-colonial manipulation, military dictatorship, corrupt leadership, pseudo-federal system, ethnic domination, mass poverty, lack of political manifestos and the people’ will to hold on, etc. In the performance, elements from the building will be incorporated . The performers (10 persons) will walk in a procession from Freedom Park to the “Ground Zero” of Ilojo Bar and pick up rumbles, then we will walk
Bob-Nosa Uwagboe
back to the exhibition hall and install all the pieces of the rumbles together with the objects on our bodies. Efe, tell us about your work in Who Will Blink First? My work focuses on love, how it unravels. Who blinks first? Who initiates the birth of a relationship or its death? Nkechi, tell us about your work in Who Will Blink First? The installation I have in this show is I WILL HUFF AND PUFF AND BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN and it investigates our attitudes as people. We have built this shaky establishment for the “us vs. them” mind-set that we all have. When we understand that we have more in common than differences, then we may begin to heal as humans. Let’s break down these barriers of mentality; use these broken walls of “better ethnicity” and bias to build bridges of patience and kindness. Go ahead and blink first! It doesn’t matter. Your act of tolerance does not depict weakness or sellout. Bob-Nosa, tell us about your work in Who Will Blink First? My presentation in Who Will Blink First? is directed on the illicit proliferation of small and large arms. The collection presented in this show came from the burning desire to refresh the minds of the audience to the dangers associated with: 1. The unregistered gun 2. The unchained dog 3. The abuse of power 4. The elite and his gun man 5. The herdsmen and the guns The unregistered arms pattern poses a very serious problem to both international and national security especially in some parts of Africa that have witnessed the most monumental destructive and
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