Chris Onuoha

Art, culture and tourism have been described as sectors that can move Nigeria’s economy forward aside oil and gas. This assertion was disclosed by some art enthusiasts in Lagos recently during an exhibition of paintings by Rauf Thompson tagged ‘Breaking new points in visual art’.

The exhibition, which held at National Council of Art & Culture (NCAC) National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, with 41 pieces of works on display, chaired by Professor Shamsideen Elegbe, former Director General, Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, alongside Sir Ferdinand Anikwe, Director General , Centre for Black Art and African Civilization (CBAAC) as special guest, had royal fathers and others in attendance.

The experts stressed that with proper repositioning of the sectors, the concentrated attention given to oil as the only viable means of economic stability will be reduced. They unanimously agreed that unemployment situation in the country can be reduced and well managed if art and tourism industry are adequately given a attention.

Citing the works of great artists, Professor Elegbe said: “Good paintings, music and creative works, people buy, adding values to people’s lives and a nation’s economy as well. But with bad work nobody buys. We hear of Picasso over the decades because he was good and his works are still auctioned till date. It’s only enabling environment and well repositioned museums and tourist centres that can make art thrive. If government should channel much energy and attention in art and tourism, you will be amazed how much money it will generate from it.”

Joseph Onipede, former Senior Special Assistant on Science and Technology to former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola said: “Art and tourism are the silent movers of the economy and people don’t know that. In the entertainment industry, you can see what the youths are doing and if that energy could also be channelled effectively into art, it will be for better. For this exhibition, it’s an inspiration to the younger ones whom I should urge to see what Rauf Thompson is showcasing here. That will motivation them to take art seriously.”

Gbadebo Masha, a retired legal practitioner said: “We are missing a lot of things in this country by believing solely in the white collar jobs. Youths must be creative and should be able to develop their individual talents and as well use their God given gifts. Government, on the other hand, should encourage the art and culture industry by adequately funding the ministry that takes care of that sector.”

Meanwhile, dignitaries from all walks of life, including friends, business associates and old school colleagues of Rauf Thompson, at the exhibition, turned the arena to some sort of carnival – cerebrating one of their own.

Guests were amazed at the artist’s transition from old to new works which is an indication of his evolving art. They described it as a revival of contemporary visual art in Nigeria extolling his creativity as one, who explores tirelessly, bridging between the old and new visual artists in Nigeria.

Some of the works exhibited includes ‘Polo,’ done precisely in 1974 reflecting  old race-course in Marina, Eyo festival, Alasatu, Coronation, Atilogwu dancers, womanhood, Eko Onibaje among others. The mastery in use of forms and colours shows the impact Professor Yusuf Grillo had on the artist as one of his earliest students at Yaba College of Technology. And that, vividly reflects in most of his works showcasing the old masters dexterity with brush strokes, lines and forms, hence, passing the socio-cultural message that the works portrays.

While praising the artist, Prof. Shamsideen Elegbe said: “For Rauf Thompson, he is resilient because he has not stopped working. In physics there is what is called the second law of motion. A body in motion will keep moving while a body at rest will be stagnant. He has preferred to keep moving and that is why after retiring he is still working. The talent is there and it is just to exert the energy and he is doing well”

Gbadebo Masha said: “He is a man of simplicity and absolute contentment. He is also creative. To be an artist needs a man of absolute soberness. A man who can create and think very seriously and make an impression of what he thinks to the outside world.”

For Jamiu Alade, Rauf’s old school mate, he said: “Rauf belongs to the Yaba Art movement in the sixties. I will call it a revival school in the sense that he is bringing back the old artist whom most of us have deleted from our mind. There is a lot of difference in comparison with old and the current.”

Eze John Nwosu, Ezeigbo Mushin also registered his enthusiasm. “I’m really impressed with what I see here today. To create an artwork is not easy. This is pure work of art and not a child’s play, done by an experienced artist I knew long ago. He is a hard working person and I am collecting some works to encourage his effort.