Olotu trains young artists to address social issues with arts

Young artists have been trained on using their works to address political and social issues in Nigeria.

The artists were trained during the Jude Olotu’s maiden contemporary art exhibition themed, ‘Moods Relics of Courage’ in Abuja.

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Jude Olotu said the nine-day exhibition was aimed at spurring and motivating young Nigerians to rise courageously like the lions of old, who fought to take Nigeria into independence. The artists were introduced to art, tutored and mentored while given a taste of painting.

Olotu, who also unveiled the Excel Signature Creative Hub, said it is a haven for those interested in fine arts, digital arts, sculpturing, metal art, wood art, interior design, product design and cinematography.

He also plans to unveil a reality TV show called The Art Maestro of the Year.

Speaking on Olotu’s art, Omolola Olakunri said, “You cannot help but stop and stare as you begin to unravel the layers of mystery and thought that goes into each masterpiece. The first abstract that I was privileged to see, held me spellbound till I had an epiphany. It was a 4-foot painting of crescents of gold.”

Olakunri said it spoke to the beauty, malleability and indestructibility of gold while being stunning enough to be eye-catching.

“That, and more than 300 equally incredible works of art, sum up the various moods of a prodigious artist who speaks through his craft. He is a self-effacing artist, who up till now, has had few exhibitions, but whose body of work occupies a whole building and is packed to the rafters. That is however set to change now.

Speaking further, Olakunri said Olotu has created and nurtured many talents and students of the arts, which has led to the creation of Excel Signature Creative Hub in Abuja.

“The creative hub is a place where creative artists are nurtured in fine arts, digital arts, metal art, wood art, sculpture, product design, cinematography and production, music as well as photography. The artists are also given exposure on national and international scales.

“The hub is already paying dividends to the society as an array of talents are being filled regularly due to the mentorship and tutelage of the art maestro himself,” Olakunri added.