Japhet Alakam

A new movement committed to the development of art practice in Nigeria in a special way has emerged. The group which is made of not just established artists, but those who have a pedigree with  over 20 years studio practice are out to make a difference with their experience.

One of the works by Gerald Chukwuma

Though in the formative stage, but the group which is presently made up of 9 artists want to feel each other and test their strenght before launcing into the main shows with an exhibition tagged Essentials, an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and installations. The exhibition which is scheduled to open on 14th of November, 2015 at Alexis Gallery,Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, will run till 21st.

It will feature about 30 works that are masterly done in diverse media . Through the body of works, the artists introduces art enthusiasts to the very heart and pulse of Nigerian creativity by exploring most of the country’s diverse issues through strikingly diverse and engaging styles that express an exciting range of honest and bold contemporary creativity.

In an interactive session with the media, the group stated that their focus is not just about exhibition, but they want to address some other issues they claimed are not done well in the art circle.

The group which is made up of a mixture of multitalented artists from different schools and ideology but united with a common front of changing the face of art include, George Edozie, Akinola Ebenezer, Bimbo Adenugba, Gerald Chukwuma, Joshua Nmesirionye, Kunle Adegborioye, Osagie Aimufia, Segun Aiyesan and Wallace Ejoh.

According to the curator, George Edozie, the artists involved are not just established artists, but those whose works are sought by collectors both at home and in the international circle. The works to be displayed are very important to collectors, they are not just the regular works you see anytime so the    are a must for every collector, hence the title Essentials.

For the extremely excited co curator and CEO of Alexis Gallery, Patty Chidiac, who described it as a match made in heaven. “This is a must see show of breathtaking works at affordable prices, we at the Alexis Galleries are delighted to host this all important show of great artist….”

Gerald Chukwuma, with humility, the movement is set to change something in the way the business of art is done in Nigeria. Having seen it all in art scene, we know the problems and we are bent on making the necessary corrections that will take art to the next level.

For example, we will pioneer and sponsor publications that is by documenting the art business in Nigeria as it is done in other climes not leaving it in the hands of non artists. We also be organising workshops and take exhibitions to other countries.

Bimbo Adenugba, As people that have been able to survive the harsh environment and other challenges in the art, we can not stay and watch the art business go the way it is going. We will connect with international groups to make the difference.

As usual Alexis is relying on its regular sponsors like Chocolat Royale, Nigeria Info, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Cool TV, Wazobia TV, Art Café, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Arra Wines, The Homestores Limited, Litho-Chrome Limited, Avenue Suites Hotel and Cobranet Internet Service Provider for the success of the exhibition.