partners
National Gallery of Art, Nigeria.
Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN)
NGA brings down the Curtain on 3rd International ArtExpo Lagos: Opening of new VISTAS for Nigerian Visual Arts and Artists.
The 3rd International ArtExpo Lagos, Nigeria organised by the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN) closed on Saturday 28th August 2010 with high expectations and the opening of new Vistas for the Nigerian visual Art and Artists.
The closing ceremony, which was chaired by Mr. Abdullahi Muku, Ag. Director-General of the NGA; ably represented by Chief Taiwo, a member of board of the NGA, witnessed a large turnout with very important personalities such as: Chief Frank Okonta, President AGAN; Dr. Peju Layi-wola of the University of Lagos; Prince Patrick, Representative of HRH, the Oba of Benin; Mr. Edosa Oguigo, President, Guild of Professional Fine Artists; Mrs. Abara, Head of Station, National Council for Arts & Culture, Lagos and Mr. Mufu Onipade, Chairman of NANTAP and Founder of ARAISM, to mention a few. The event started with incisive and well researched lectures: “Artist-Gallery Partnership” presented by Goddy Leye, Coordinator ArtBakery, Doula, Cameroon and “Plagiarism; The legal Position (The rights of the Visual Artists and the rule of Law) by Barr. Shina Fagbenro Byron, DFID, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Ag. Director-General expressed satisfaction with the huge success of this year’s edition and also thanked all and sundry for their participation. He enjoined all stakeholders to join forces with Government to ensure that Nigerian Visual Art is taken to the next level. He called on the organised private sector to support the course of visual arts and promised continued support of the Government in policy formulation as well as continuous implementation of projects and programmes directed towards the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s visual arts.
Chief Okonta, President of AGAN also thanked the audience for participating and remarked that the 3rd International Art Expo, Lagos held to the consternation of detractors and sceptics who thought it was not going to hold. He informed the august gathering that the eventual hosting and success has made more private galleries to ask to be registered with AGAN. He also encouraged private sector sponsorship for the sector.
The curator of the event Mr. Simon O. Ikpakronyi, Ag. Director of research and Education in his curatorial brief said that the 3rd edition was a tremendous improvement as over 30 galleries exhibited with some from neighbouring African countries. He also mentioned that about 30 artworks were sold from which the NGA acquired 24 for the National Collection, because of the quality of works on display. The NGA is empowered by law to acquire works of art for the National Collection.
A cross section of exhibitors and visitors to the 3rd International ArtExpo, 2010 have these to say:
“I enjoy the art and hope you hold photo exhibition as well. Thank you.”
Victor Politis (USA)
Photographer & Publisher
Photography Book “Nigeria through the Eyes of a Passerby”
“Artworks, from basic to high-end. A Lot of Styles, Combinations and concepts in one piece!. You could stay for hours and get different interpretations on the same art piece”
Paul G. (USA)............A visitor
“Beautiful and Unusual! Some very striking works”
Melinda (UK)..............Visitor
“This year’s Art Expo has been most successful and it is a testimony to the collaboration between the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN). I am particularly delighted with the organisation, publicity and the increased attendance this year. This great edition has also featured talks and seminars on topical issues on the visual arts and it is my hope that this continues to ensure the increased visibility and appreciation of modern and contemporary Nigerian visual art.”
Oliver Enwonwu, Chairman Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos Chapter
(Also an Exhibitor at the event)
While we look ahead to the next edition in 2011, indeed it will never be the same again for Nigerian visual arts and artists.
By: Magnus Ojeonu
AD(program Analysts, NGA)
PHOTO NEWS
Cross-section of guests at the lectures / closing ceremony
Front Row (L/R): Chief Taiwo, Rep. of the Ag. DG(NGA)
And member of Board of the NGA.
Visitors in one of the Exhibition stands at the closing of the
3rd International ArtExpo 2010, Lagos.
A visitor: Victor Politis (USA)
Photographer & Publisher
Photography Book “Nigeria through the Eyes of a Passerby”
A guest speaker at the lectures / closing ceremony
Barr. Shina Fagbenro Byron, DFID, Ikeja, Lagos delivering
his lecture.
Another guest speaker: Goddy Leye, Coordinator ArtBakery,
Doula, Cameroon making his presentation.
event schedule:
Opening Ceremony: Saturday, 21 August, 2010 by 12 noon.
Venue: National Museum Onikan, Lagos.
Duration: August 21 - 28, 2010.
Exhibition opens from 9:00am - 6:00pm daily.
past ArtEXPO editions.
