So, I stepped out of my books and into the real world for Actionaid’s Art for Development Initiative (Art4Dev).

Actionaid Nigeria if you didn’t already know, is a non-profit organisation with international presence, working with the poor and excluded communities to promote the rights of people living in poverty and they take it seriously.

Art4Dev is a platform focused on showcasing indigenous Art and craft from rural communities for development by leveraging on technology and support from established professionals, with the aim of promoting local art as a means of sustainable livelihood.

ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture organized this art exhibition

Despite my artistic skills limited painting my face in the morning, I am a huge fan of art,  and if my bank account weren’t so uncooperative, I’d have quite a collection. But, looking is free so I decided to spend sometime in the Art4Dev Pavillion gallery.

I have to say we have some really great upcoming artists here in Nigeria, with powerful, distinctive and interesting creations using different media. I’m no Art Connoisseur but I feel like we could soon boast of a Nigerian Picasso or Van Gogh.

I was spellbound by Oliver Okolo’s work, where he used charcoal on paper to bring his imagination to life in great detail. My only concern was his art work seemed somber with meaning depth and the flat tone. I can’t say why but it bothered me that no one was smiling.

I love everything about Biodun Afeez Ibrahim’s work, the bold and contrasting colouring, the variety in texture; cotton on smooth canvas, dramatic with a lot of negative space.

Finally, The Importance of Light by Tiamiu Azeez depicting a waterfront at night with a view of the city, sucks you in with its geometric lines and gradient colouring.

Among other artists work on display include: Iyke Okenyi’s Group Photograph, Hope-Desrey Okpanachi’s Shape Shifter, Chinedu Bright Ezeh’s Time Unveiling and Olorunyemi Kolapo Obadiah’s Awelewa.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

If you are an art Enthusiast in Abuja, you should head over to Transcorp Hilton Lobby and take in the beauty and eccentricity expressed by these artists. Better still, buy one. The funds go to supporting efforts by Actionaid to helping the poor in Nigerian communities in desperate need for basics amenities like clean water, and toilets for girl’s schools.

If you are an artist, it’s not too late to sign up with Art4Dev, showcase, sponsor, sell, and make a difference in people’s lives with your work!

---

Thank you for reading! Do you love art? Were you at the Art4Dev Exhibition? Know any of the artists? Let me know what you think?
***
Liked this post? Do share it on your social media wall, timeline or feed.
Want blog updates and promotions in your inbox?
Sign Up Now