By Prisca Sam-Duru

A CHARITY Exhibition of the finest collection of art works by Stacey Okparavero, which embodies the versatility of art styles that embrace rich African as well as western cultures, opened at the weekend at the Watersworth Gallery, Lekki, Lagos.

The exhibition tagged, “Art For Life” organised by The Stacey Okparavero Project in Conjunction with Watersworth Gallery, is an Asthma Awareness/Art Exhibition that showcases stunning art pieces by Stacey Ejiroghene Okparavero in the memory of her only sister, Ogaga Okparavero who died of asthma on the 22nd of October, 2012 at a very young age of 20.

*Oge II

Drawing the theme of the Exhibition which runs from 9th till 17th of February, from the fact that Ogaga died from an Asthma attack, Stacey, a University of Lagos visual Arts graduate, disclosed during the opening of the exhibition that a percentage of proceeds from art sales will be donated to the respiratory unit of the Lagos Teaching Hospital as well as John Ken Hospital, Akoka Lagos.

The donation she said would help provide Oxygen Canisters, drugs and for settling of bills for Asthma patients in those units who are unable to pay their bills after treatment.

Through a total of about 50 drawings and paintings in diverse media such as Water Colour, Pastel on Paper, Acrylic on Canvas, Ink and Gouche, the art pieces which in no way portray the theme of the exhibition embellish high level of skill and creativity by the 2011 winner of the best pastel artist award presented by OYASAF during an art entrepreneurship workshop, held in Lagos.

Charity exhibition

The essence of the show therefore, according to Stacey, is for people to purchase art works as by so doing, would  help in the  saving of lives.

Art For Life is the second charity exhibition Stacey is putting together, and is coming after a successful hosting in September, 2012 of “Stacey Charity Drive: Outreach to Delta State Flood Victims”

Some of the titles that

adorn the exhibition hall of Watersworth include; Fulani Girl, (Water Colour); Bewilderment, (Water Colour); Walks of Life, (Acrylic On Canvas); Eurhythmics,( Mixed Media); Birth Control, (Water Colour) and Makoko, a unique combination of Water Colour, Sticks and Thread, depict what Makoko, an area in the heart of Lagos was like prior to its demolition by the Lagos government.

Features of the opening of “Art For Life” included; a Salsa performance by the duo of Eniola and Pierce which was a representation of the type of life late Ogaga lived. They entertained the viewers while adding radiance to the exhibition through their exhilarating steps that synchronised with the rhythm of music that highlighted the essence of living life to its full.

The Salsa actually succeeded the performance of the Nigeria National Anthem by Stacey which she rendered in a most sonorous voice that proved that indeed, she is multi-talented, hence, her versatility covers visual art, dancing, acting and singing.

The high point of the opening was however was a slide  presentation on asthma enlightenment  by Dr Funsho Agbalajobi, titled; Asthma Management and Prevention. The close to 30 minutes presentation saw Dr Agbalajobi, speaking extensively on some basice causes of Asthma, how to manage, as well as prevent the respiratory tract ailment.

With Nigerite’s weight solidly behind the hosting of Art For Life, Ms Oluchi a representative of the Company stated that Nigerite decided to solely sponsor the exhibition because it deals with life.

“It is a positive way of raising awareness on Asthma, in order to help people learn how to deal with the ailment, she said, adding that, “Nigerite is committed to building anything so long as it concerns life” She said.

As for his impression about the show, Nigeria’s foremost artist, Professor Bruce Onabrakpeya, Stacey’s mentor, noted that, “The works are excellent and very mature, I know that Stacey just finished school and to be in a position to do this kind of thing is credit worthy and I congratulate her. Every living person has art around him so it is wrong to limit art to just paintings and drawings, so, Stacey is making a positive contribution towards saving life, through her talent.”