The 2010 edition of the October Rain, an exhibition of art and design objects to celebrate Nigeria at 50 organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos in collaboration with Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) ended recently in a grand style at the Nike Art Center Lekki, Lagos writes Japhet Alakam.

For notable Nigerians, diplomats and other lovers of art that witnessed the one week art and design exhibition at the magnificent Nike Art Center Lekki last week, the organisation, number of works and caliber of works displayed was a clear testimony of the fact that the SNA Lagos chapter under the able leadership of Oliver Enwonwu has taken art to an enviable position of respect.

The event which was declared open by an avid art lover and the CEO of Philips Consulting, Mr Folusho Philips attracted the presence of notable art patrons and lovers like Andreas Banns of the Swiss Embassy, Dr.Bruce Onabrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Kunle Adeyemi, Anslem Tabansi, Uwa Usen, Best Ochigbo, Mike Omoighe, Ruben Okundaye and a host of other people.

The exhibition which is the third successive one after a recess of fifteen years and is coming on the heels of Nigeria’s 50th anniversary celebration afforded Nigerian artists; especially those in Lagos the opportunity to express themselves through visual compositions that attempted to chronicle the the fifty years of the nation’s long match to political freedom..  This effort was justified by the type of works displayed by the artists as works by both the young and old artists in what would be termed the ancient and modern were exhibited side by side on the first floor of the building.

The visual show featured over 100 works of paintings, prints, ceramics, drawings, sculptures, photography, media art pieces, interior decorations, furniture and other accessories. Among them were: Oath of Good Luck at 50 by Lasaki Bunmi, The Big Bang by Oderhohwo Efe Gabriel, Let there be Light, photography by JD Ojeikere, Eka Oke ( Marks of Time) by Bruce Onabrakpeya, Gladiator by Hola Davies, One Goal by Best Ochigbo, Mr Acrobat, Kinetic Metal by Badmos Biodun as well as design exhibits from  Caxtonalile Interiors and Pinceto.

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In his address at the occasion, the Chairman of Lagos State branch of SNA, Oliver Enwonwu disclosed that the October Rain exhibition has become an important date to artists as it offers them the opportunity to showcase their works in an atmosphere that encourages both intellectual and social interactions. He noted that this years’s event is significant for three reasons:” first, it commemorates Nigeria’s 50th anniversary, secondly, it showcases more works than ever seen before and thirdly, it is collaboration with the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) the professional body of interior designers in the country.” He said.

Continuing he pointed out that “the partnership with IDAN is a vital step towards employing the unique fusion of art and interior design in galvanizing a wider audience and opening of commercial avenues for artistic products.”

In his own remarks, the guest of honour, Mr Folusho Philips commended the SNA and IDAN for the exhibition and advised them to try and do major exhibitions as it is happening in the fashion industry.

He disclosed that he is one of the people commissioned by the government on the need to create jobs for the jobless youths of the nation and stated that the art and decoration industry is the right place for that as it involves the use of  skills and intellect without looking at the government.

The Vice President of IDAN , Anslem Tabansi who was impressed with the exhibition stated that this is the first time that the body is involved in a joint exhibition with SNA, pointing out there are a lot of creative people in the interior decoration, which he  described the marriage as a good platform to adding more value to the society.

Speaking on behalf of Nike Art Center, Ruben Okundaye who was of the view that the best way to promote visual art is through exhibition expressed his satisfaction with the  hosting the exhibition. He stated that Nke Gallery was  impressed with the quality of works exhibited and promised to partner with SNA in her  future events. He advised young artists to be focused and dedicated as they go about their business, pointing out that with art they can reach their aspirations in life.

For Kunle Adeyemi, the National Vice Chairman of SNA Kunle Adeyemi, “the exhibition is a marriage of good things to happen, you can’t achieve it alone, now that we are having IDAN, I am expecting the professional architects, the theatre artists and others to come along so that we can have a good story to tell in our time.”