BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

Following several calls for the promotion and projection of the nation’s rich cultural heritage against the rate at which westernisation overwhelms African culture and traditions, there have been several attempts by groups, organisations and individuals  to preserving Nigeria’s great cultural endowment.

“Cultures”, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures, featuring over one hundred art works by thirty selected Nigerian Artists which opened last week at the Marina Securities, Victoria Island, Lagos, is one of such efforts by the Henrimoweta African Art Centre (HAAC) at showcasing to the world, the diverse cultures and traditions of different ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Using several art media such as mixed media, acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, metal, wood, fibre etc, the talented artists are able to creatively document in visual forms, diverse cultures of the different ethnic groups that make up Nigeria.

One of the works exhibited during the show

At the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Marina Securities, HAAC succeeded in Creating a marriage between works by renowned artists such as Ben Osawe and Olutu Oyerinde and emerging ones like  Marshal Nwauwa, Nosa Osadolor, Olufemi Kayo, Soji Yoloye, Bernard Zap, Ovien and John Ogbeta which adds radiance to the glamourous  show.

The artists in all ramifications , creatively explore various facets of human disposition like interactions with nature, communal living, commercial activities and social engagements. With stunning images of beautiful women, market activities, transportation, traditional coronations, cultural dances, fishing festival, urban and rural landscapes, and abstract representation of human contemplations, the culture of existence is made complete, especially from the African perspective.

Commenting on the essence of the exhibition, the senior program officer of Ben Enweonwu Foundation, Luciano Uzuegbu said that the “exhibition is “ HAAC platform for not only reconciling artistic creations with collectors but also ensures that remarkable art pieces by masters and debutantes alike, are accorded their rightful place and are available for appreciation by the increasing audience.”

The decision to share the essence of African way of life through perceivable and nurtured artistic excellence according to the passionate Nigerian contemporary artist, Henri Moweta who is also a member of the Art Galleries Association of Nigeria(AGAN), is to look  into the Nigerian cultures in order to revive dying traditions and also, make the entire world appreciate Africa the more”

Continuing, Henri said before the concept of culture came, “we thought of it and said okay which words do we use to embrace the kind of message we want to pass across to the people, and we concluded that “Cultures” is best. So, if you look at the art works, you will notice that there is no western painting, its all about cultures of Nigerians.”

The thirty artists Henri  explained are, “all studio working artists both old and young, dead and alive.” Adding that “” that the works of the artists who are late were acquired before their demise but included in the exhibition just to keep their memories alive”.