Art came alive at the Balmoral Convention Centre on the 9th to 12th of November 2017 as guests were taken by futuristic 3D art pieces like the tastefully designed “Keke Installation”. These guests gathered for the African Culture and Design Festival, which showcased an impressive combination of art that could be seen, felt, heard and watched.
“The fact that the artists are having mini solo exhibitions in their booth means the audience can see 2, 3, 4, 5 bodies of work from one artist that gives them a real insight to what individual artists are doing,” said Ms Bisi Silvia, curator of the modern and contemporary art pavilion.
The event themed ‘This Is Africa’ was a 4-day art festival that showcased the creativity of various artists and designers across the continent in the Design Pavilion. Modern and contemporary art pavilion and art sculptures collected over the years from a private collector, Femi Akinsanya were displayed in the Traditional Art installation section.
Curator of the Traditional Art Pavilion, Mrs Ibironke Ashaye, advised that upcoming artists and designers should find inspiration in the African arts which has not only inspired other artists across the African continent but also Western artists and designers.
The event was attended by hundreds of people which includes several important personalities in Nigeria which include the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Obi of Onitsha HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, MNI, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Joke Silva and Genevieve Nnaji.
The admirable works of artists such as Caxton Alile, Tobenna Okwuosa, Kelani Abbas, Selly Raby Kane, Lani Adeoye, Sanda Amadou and several others at the festival has gone a long way in reinforcing the need to invest more in homegrown artistes in Nigeria and Africa. From Pre-historic Art to Virtual reality ‘This is Africa’ will remain a memorable experience for all art lovers and design enthusiasts who came to witness Art and Design extraordinaire.
Pictures from the event
