Fifteen artists including painters and sculptors have completed an in-artist-residency programme themed ‘Simply Naija’ at the Alexis Galleries in Lagos.
The residency programme which is in its second year, offered the artists spaces where creative minds lived, worked and showcased their works for free.
Participants said that the programme had been an impactful one, and added that it had improved their knowledge as visual artists and sculptors.
Taiwo Olatunde, one of the artists, appreciated the organiser for the opportunity, which he said had afforded him the chance to learn how to set up an art studio and brace up his knowledge on some other painting techniques. He added that he had benefited immensely from the resource persons invited and fellow artists.
He said, “We appreciate the organiser for this programme, we have been made comfortable and we will say this is home away from home. I have learnt new painting techniques from my colleagues and the resource persons; I have produced ‘Zainab’, ‘Fulani Market Women’ and two other paintings.”
Olatunde who produced four paintings during the programme, urged Alexis Galleries to do more of the residency programmes for other up-and-coming artists.
Another artist, Raheem Alli whose ambition is to become a renowned artist, said that the programme had made him more focused. He said as a sculptor and painter, he had learnt how to effectively communicate his thoughts to his viewers through his works.
“This platform has deposited in me those virtues I need to acquire before becoming a renowned artist. I did three sculptures so far in the house, I have one of the titles as ‘Meditation.’
“I really thank the organiser for this great opportunity, she was responsible for our upkeep, feeding and accommodation; the only thing we brought are our materials to work with,” he said.
Similarly, Yemi Uthman said each of the 15 artists had their unique styles which they all had been able to learn in the course of the programme. On his part, Uthman said he did three paintings and one of the works was titled, ‘Centre of Attraction.’
Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, the curator of the gallery and sponsor of the programme, said, that the residency programme was aimed at allowing talented artists who did not have the means of showcasing their works to do so.
She noted that the artists enjoyed free mentorship from established artists, professors and collectors who came around daily.
“These people came to prick the artists’ creative consciousness during the programme. At the end of the programme, they were left with fresh ideas and inspiration,” she said.
The y also assessed the artists’ work.
“The artists are not restricted, I have given them room to explore and learn from one another and create works inspired by Naija where the theme was derived from. Now, the artists will be opportune to exhibit their works which they have done during the programme at The National Museum in October and Alexis Galleries here in March.”
The opportunity, she explained, would make their works known and their names to be heard. She commended the artists for their comportment throughout their stay, adding that they were always eager to learn new things.
“The programme was not just designed for established artists, but also for the young ones,” she said.
Chidiac-Mastrogiannis also said that the six artists who participated in the maiden edition of the programme were doing well and are now independent master painters and sculptors who have their own studios.
Other participants were Babatunde Kesa, Samuel Olayombo, Olasunkanmi Oyelusi, Darlington Chukuwuze, Aidex Iziogba, Adetunji Afeez and Akinbanji Osanyemi. Agemo Francis, Oluwaseun Ojebiyi, Inumoh Charles and Aliu Kabiru, were also part of the programme.
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