By Japhet Alakam

Visual art lovers in and around Lagos will be treated to what can be described as the mother of all exhibitions as Arthouse- The Space, is set to showcase the big masquerade, renowned visual artist, teacher, Prof Yusuf Grillo in a solo exhibition entitled Igi Araba.

The exhibition which is coming on the heels of the successful exhibitions of celebrated artists including Bruce Onobrakpeya, George Osodi, Emeka Udemba, Kainebi Osahenye, and Sokari Douglas Camp, and others is scheduled to hold from October 10-31, 2015, at the Kia Showroom (308 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria).

One of the celebrated works by Prof Grillo

The exhibition will showcase the long deserved retrospective of a celebrated national treasure. So fans of Yusuf Grillo and lovers of good work are expected to use the show to collect some of his works.

The opening reception for the exhibition will take place on October 10, 2015, by 4.00 pm, while an artist talk will hold on October 25, 2015,at 4 pm.

Some of the works to be exhibited include, No Thanks, Baraje, Oba Dauda, 2014-2015, Kabiyesi and Olori, 2010-2012, Post Khutba Dilemma, 2009-2012.

Yusuf Grillo, who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artists, has led a prolific career that has shaped the discourse of modern art in the country. Emerging to prominence and international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s, Grillo’s work is deeply influenced by the characteristics of traditional Yoruba philosophy and sculpture.

As a member of the Zaria Arts Society, popularly known as the Zaria Rebels, Grillo combined his training in the Western-representational style with a focus on Nigeria’s unique and rich artistic history. He is particularly known for the specific use of the color blue in his paintings, a reference to adire and resist-dye textiles used in Nigeria.

After extensive education in Nigeria and the UK, Grillo served as Head of the Department of Art and Printing at Yaba College of Technology for over twenty five years. His iconic stained glass and mosaic works have been commissioned for a number of public buildings in Nigeria including churches, universities, government buildings, and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Grillo has also served as the founding president of the Society of Nigerian Artists, the professional body for all practicing artists in Nigeria. Arthouse Contemporary is an international auction house that focuses on modern and contemporary art from West Africa.

With auctions held twice a year in Lagos, Nigeria, Arthouse Contemporary aims to create awareness of the scope of contemporary art in the region, encourage international recognition towards its talented artists, and strengthen the economy of its art market.

Arthouse Contemporary has recently expanded its scope outside of its bi-annual auctions to include Arthouse-The Space, which organises exhibitions of contemporary art. The exhibition which is proudly sponsored by Access Bank, Kia Motors and Veuve Clicquot, also includes a video documentary that was produced by the Foundation for Contemporary & Modern Visual Arts .