By JAPHET ALAKAM

IN spite of the demands of motherhood coupled with the demands of a banking job, award winning artist and graduate of Fine Arts of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Ronke Aina-Scott is set  for her first solo exhibition tagged Colours on my Mind, an exhibition of Acrylic, Pastel and Pen & Ink paintings.

The exhibition which will feature about 50 works through which the artist  showcases her expression of the various aspects of African culture is scheduled to open at the Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, on June 22 and will run till July 3rd, 2013.

Through the body of works which are mostly in semi-abstract; that is representational art, rendered in pointillism, mosaic and some in mixed media executed with Acrylic paint & Pastel and some works in Pen &Ink, Ronke who is especially inspired by the African woman in society tries to address various issues.

African woman in society

She also appreciates some aspects of the African culture with special focus on the role of the African Woman in the society. Some of the works which can be seen as abstract in nature and vibrant with colours shows the laborious beauty, devotion and joy found within the African culture.

On the theme “Colours on my mind”, She said, “I simply wanted to portray the fact that the African people are a naturally colourful people. I have tried to portray on canvas the vivacity and energy that colours brings to the mind.

Most of the paintings have been executed with colours which have been skillfully combined to give an overall pleasing effect to the eye. I have always been very comfortable with colours and there is no dreariness experienced when one looks at the paintings on display.

On the deeper level or the underlying message what I am trying to pass across is more motivational in nature. There are many people out there with talents, many are buried, many have self-imposed limitations, I want to challenge them not allow it to die no matter the circumstances.”

A look at some of the works on display shows that she is a versatile artist who is able to, in a simple, yet diversified way, to exhibit dexterity in the use of oil paints, pastel, acrylic, gouache and even pen and ink as a medium and her technique leans towards the abstract.

Some of the works are: Where are the trees?1 & 11;  And there are none; Back from the stream 1 & 2; Iya ni Wura & Iya mi; Aje ni ya; Fura de nunu;Egwu Umu-agbohor” Maiden Dance; Ariya Celebration 1; Ijo ya; Celebration 2; Agogoro Eyo; African Masks;  Mo yo fun e; mo yo fun ra mi and others.

For example, three of the works speak on environmental issues. Where are the trees?1 & 11 speaks against deforestation and on the need to cultivate the habit of planting trees. Apart from the fact that they provide ornamental appeal, trees play a large role in providing clean air and freshness in the atmosphere.

And there are none…portrays the fast disappearing fishes from our rivers due to the effects of global warming. Back from the stream 1 & 2, speaks on the non-availability of portable water in most African society today while  Iya ni Wura & Iya mi  elaborates the influence that mothers have on their children and also the love of a mother for her child.

Creative industry

Speaking about the exhibition, the artist who discloses that she was inspired by her mother said that her passion had always being in the creative industry and that the exhibition is a dream come true. “As a little girl, my colour pencils were the most prized of my earthly possessions and whenever they got missing, which was very often, I was usually reduced to tears. Painting fills me with a sense of accomplishment and I am most at peace with myself when I am at work on my canvas. Art for me has proven a most amenable vehicle for translating inner vision to outer reality.” She said.

The exhibition which will be declared open by the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the event , Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Managing Director & CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc will be graced by notable art lovers.