Artsdiscourse

By: Mathew B. Oyedele It is not out of place to say that the euphoria of the inclusion of Nigeria in the oldest cultural biennale still clouds the Nigerian art world with diverse opinions, essays and comments circulating the media through personalities that thread the path of art.  This development has created a platform of discourse among connoisseurs and art enthusiasts in Nigeria and Africa.    Nigerian art is currently witnessing an influx of creativity and has rapidly risen to a phenomenal stage that stamps its feet in global arts discourse. Its energetic artists are constantly pushing and questioning conventional boundaries through research-based works of art and record-setting sales at auction houses. What then delay Nigeria’s appearance at the Venice biennale? African art has largely been under-represented at the Venice biennale with currently only seven African countries out of 54 proposed to be represented with national pavilions in this years’ biennale. Throug

This is my house The shelter of lions The abode of sheep. Built with mud, Raised with stone, My house endures. Each room is a trap Each door is dangerous Each window is egocentric To whom do I complain? My house is divided My corridor is in ruin; My neighbours are helpless My people are clueless My words are useless. Lion prey on sheep Sheep hunt themselves; You’ll know my house when you see it. Who’ll tame you? Lion! Who’ll rescue you? Sheep! Who’ll end the brawl?. Look at my house Standing on the precipice Marching backward, gazing forward.

Ben Osaghae An evening of tribute was organized for the Late Nigerian artist, Ben Osaghae by the Guild of Professional Fine artists of Nigeria at the National Museum, Lagos on the 30 th of March 2017. The programme was preceded by the renaissance of old relationships and the invention of new ones in an evening of a creative discourse as professional artists of diverse forms converged to narrate their various encounter with the late artist. As a founding member of the association and a member of the Society of Nigerian artists, the programme was held to honour the late artist, appreciate his artistic life and to locate and situate his involvement in the Nigerian contemporary art world. It was also to affirm the association’s aim of celebrating Nigerian artists. Creating an ambience of reflection was the slideshow of Ben’s works of art that were enveloped with metaphoric and idiomatic expressions. It took the audience to the immediate gesture of the artist and positioned

By Chinezim Moghalu Chris Contemporary Nigerian art has risen dramatically to a remarkable level in that it becomes a vogue in contemporary Nigerian discourse. It is presently witnessing a romantic bent and undertone by its brilliant artists, who are poised at pushing its boundaries beyond its established canons. It is as well experiencing rapid and augmented patronage and appreciation as art exhibitions are held constantly. Lagos, being the nation’s art hub is adding to itself more galleries and art centres. Abuja is also experiencing fast emergency boom. These exciting galleries which are becoming more elaborate, dynamic, gay, and insightful include: Art Twenty-One, Sterling 1, Kongi Harvest, Thought Pyramid, SMO Contemporary, llCD Center, Reddor; the scenescent ones yet relevant. The heightened success of contemporary Nigerian art is credited to, first and mainly, the oil boom at the turn of post-colonialism and early independence era. Patronage was increased. Earli