By Japhet Alakam

The Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), garden at Okupe Estate, Maryland received unusual visitors as Nigerian and non-Nigerian collectors, curators, gallery owners, scholars and writers converged for a unique exhibition of works by  Ms. Louisa Alexandra Spyratos and Ms. Omolara Adenugba (Clara Aden) products of 2018 OYASAF International Artists Residency at the Ogun State capital, Abeokuta.

*Alexandra Spyratos in front of one of her work titled Crested glory

*Daddy’s girl by Clara Aden

The exhibition which featured 32 artworks produced by the two artists during their five (5) weeks  also afforded the viewers especially the art writers the opportunity to interact with the artists about their experiences and challenges during the period. From the entrance of the garden down to the main compound, the works displayed speak loud of the creative ingenuity of the two female artists and the gains of the residency programme.

It was really an amazing display of colours as despite the original works of the art loving founder of the place, Engr Yemisi Shyllon that adorned the garden, the remaining spaces were filled with different paintings that caught the attention of many viewers. As one enters the compound, one will be welcomed by wonderful works of art (nine in number)created by one of the artists, Clara Aden. The works which according to the realistic artist were created in three weeks during the residency speaks of what young Nigerians can do if provided with conducive environment.

Taking viewers round the works, the award winning artist who disclosed that she was inspired by things around her said, “The people I talk  and relate with, something can captivate my attention just a moment and I will just grab it”. These were reflected in works like; I see you 1&11, Give Mama support, Daddy’s girl, Suku, street hawker, Camera rolling etc.

Speaking about the residency, she said “it afforded me the opportunity to have inter cultural exchange with my inmate Alexandra from Kenya. Her technique is unique and I learnt a lot from her about her country Kenya and she too learnt from me about Nigeria. It also opened up my mind of the possibility of exploring other areas.”

For the Greek international artist born in Kenya, Alexandra Spyratos said, “today I am showcasing my works, which I did during the residency. The OYASAF residency is an amazing programme, its been fantastic to have the time just to paint without distraction and we were able to  really enmesh ourselves very fast with my experiences of the Nigerian colour, of what people wear on the streets, in the market places, the hustle and bustle of over 180 million people. So it has been an amazing experience to come and see a new country of Africa.”

Speaking about her works, Alexandra Spyratos who confessed that if it was a solo exhibition she would have tagged Funky Market Place said that most of the works were scenes she captured in market places and within the city. “Every one is very funky in the market place, the clothes, crazy colours, the way they put their caps, all very funky and I like it”. Some of her works include, Correct tomato, Mucho man, Pretty day, Crunchy bench, two women sitting on a crunchy bench in a market. Others include Crested glory,Wedding day, a happy family and a lady breastfeeding her baby in the market and others

Speaking about Nigerian arts, she says, “Nigeria really has a culture of artists. I am impressed with Nigeria art because they are well advanced, very matured and you get many incredible Nigeria artists from way back 1932 to date. It’s really evolving, I am not sure how it started so early in Nigeria. There has been so many amazing painters from here”.

Continuing she said, I am taking home the richness of colour and new inspiration and other things for my next set of painting which will be for exhibition in Miami, USA. I  am sure a lot  my Nigeria influence will show in the colour and texture of the paintings.”

For OYASAF, which is nobly committed to promoting Nigeria’s art and Culture,  the residency programme provides Nigerian and international artists with the opportunity to live and work in an up class and serene environment, to develop their specific individual projects while experiencing and engaging with Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage during its five-week annual OYASAF International Artist Residency.