By Prisca Sam-Duru

If there is one thingNigeria needs at this crucial period to retrace her steps so as not to go into oblivion, it is interventions. Considering how the system has decayed so far, many believe there’s need for both divine and human interventions.

Erasmus Onyishi, with his winning work

As part of its contributions towards promoting the development of contemporary art with the aim of raising awareness on relevant social issues, the Nigerian Breweries PLC in collaboration with the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), offered artists the platform to present several artworks covering the human aspect of Interventions which is theme for the 2014 National Art Competition (NAC).

The grand finale of the creative event took place penultimate week at the Civic Centre, Lagos. The 12 finalists; Ada Umeofia, Emmanuel Dudu, Ike Francis, Paul Mba, Nkechi Ebbudike, Erasmus Onyishi and Pwavidon Mathias; Tyna Adebowale, Modupeola Fadugba, Okafor marachi, Priscilla Nwanah, Jacqueline Suowari, emerged victorious out of over a hundred entries.They adorned the Civic Centre Lagos with stunning art pieces during the event. Through diverse styles, shapes, colours and mediums, the artists gave their artistic interpretation of Interventions.

Featuring breathtaking performances by a cultural dance troupe and presentation of certificates to the 12 finalists, curtain was drawn on the 7th edition of the NAC, with Erasmus Onyishi emerging tops with his work titled, Lines, Patches and Pathos.

Onyishi’s winning entry according to him, explores the irony between facts and representation, to address how refuse such as plastic waste is often used to create works of art.

“The exposures of these works and the associated messages are largely relegated to a segment of society. Do these state-ments translate to solutions? Is it enough to continue adorning the walls of galleries and privi-leged homes with the satirical reflections on these repugnant situations?

Lines, Patches and Pathos he said, “Is an incentive-orientated project which involves active participation by the natives/dwellers of Lafia, Nassarwa State, to address plastic waste which exists in abundance causing visual noise, negative environmental implications and a health menace….When those who litre the environment are motivated to clean it, everyone becomes a constant change agent.”

He went home with 2 million Naira and will enjoy the privilege of a solo exhibition at the AAF. Modupeola Fadugba’s The people’s Algorithm and The Butterfly Effect was the Outstanding Concept and placed her on the second position.

She got 1million naira while Paul Mba came third with his piece titled, The T’Eye’meline which was adjudged the Outstanding Production. He also received 1million naira. Two Juro Awards announced by the head, Prof. El Anatsui, went to Okafor Amarachi and Nkechi Ebubedike who received 500,000 each.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde commended all the finalists for their works adding that he had the assurance that winning this year’s competition will make a difference in their careers.

Vervelde noted that through the use of creative artistic expression, NAC also showcases emerging talents in diverse mediums.

such as painting, sculpture, Photography and mixed media. Interventions he said explores how contemporary art serves as a catalyst for positive social change and engages artists to work on their relationship to the social, political, and cultural framework of the society.