By JAPHET ALAKAM

As part of its main objective of promoting young and talented African artists, Biodun Omolayo Art Gallery is set to host young and talented award winning Ghanaian water colour artist- Jonathan Kwegyir Aggrey in an exhibition tagged African Essence.

The exhibition which promises to be great will afford Nigerian art community and other art lovers the opportunity to see the creative works of the young artist.  It is scheduled to hold at Biodun Omolayo Art Gallery, City Mall Onikan and will feature about 36 latest works of the young artist.

The exhibition which is in line with  Biodun Omolayo Art Gallery goal, is scheduled to open on Saturday March, 29th and will run till April 11, 2014. It will also include a workshop for young and junior artists The body of works to be exhibited which is collectively tagged African Essence is about the artist’s view, impression of African ideals, culture and others.

Some of the works includes; Fishing Village; The herdsman ;Boat Park ; Deep Sailing ; Sailling II ;Potsin Village ; Twilight Village ; Maintenance section ; insearch ; Fishing community, Accra;  Elimina Fishing Bay ; Sail ; Leisure activity ; Safari ii ; Winneba township; Other side,Winneba; retired fisherman and others.

The exhibiting artist, a graduate of the University College of Education, Winneba, Ghana, who  has been involved in local and international exhibition and series of workshops in Western and Eastern Europe with so many awards to show for it, will use this exhibition to present his body of works to Nigerians.

The exhibition is one of the activities put together to mark the 50th birth day of Biodun Omolayo- the manager and founder of Biodun Omolayo Art Gallery.

Aside the exhibition, there will be a visit to the Old People’s Home, Orphanages in Lagos and art workshops for the less privileged.

Speaking about the exhibition, the curator, Biodun Omolayo disclosed that the artist and the gallery manager met via the social media – Facebook, and the friendship later developed into a business relationship which resulted into the hosting of the art exhibition and workshop.

He also stated that in the cause of the exhibition, the artist will interact with other Nigerian artists, art enthusiasts, journalists, art historians gallery managers,and others in the Lagos art hub.

Cultural exchange

This according to the banker turned artist will give every body involved an opportunity for a cultural exchange between Ghana and Nigeria and foster friendship between the two West African countries.

In addition, the exhibition will promote bilateral cultural relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.

There will be gallery talk and water Colour workshop for senior and junior artists in the second week.

The exhibition according the curator will be graced by  many ar partrons, collectors, diplomats amongs them include, Mr Ayo Akinmade, MD/CEO of REGUS, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Chief Sammy Olagbaju, Prince Yemesi Shyllon of OYASAF foundation, Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye,Cornnie Price, Country Director of the British Council Nigeria and a host of others.