In spite of the difference in our humanity, and peoples of the world,
there is no doubt that art speaks universal language, appeals to all
humanity and irrespective of source; serves as a catalyst for unity
among people of different races and cultural background.
Many countries around the globe have begun to realize the importance
of promoting unity in the world through art works as showcased in the
third edition
of art of friendship exhibition which was adjudged by art
even critics as grand with the convergence of Africa, Europe, Asia in
Abuja the Federal Capital Territory of the most populous nation in the
continent of Africa to celebrate this year’s edition in a grand style.
Art of Friendship exhibition was purely anchored on the unity of
thematic content of the artists, with a keen interest on the stylistic,
cultural and symbolic diversity of the art works.
Initiated in 2012 as a platform for Nigerian artists to
cross-fertilize ideas with their counterparts around the world, the
exhibition is now growing from strengths to strengths and living up to
its billings as the melting point of cross cultural art as platter of
rich art work from Nigeria, China, Germany, Czech Republic and Republic
of South Korea met at Abuja’s International Conference Center (ICC).
Also, the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the works on display in this
edition was seen in the strength of cultural diversity; the variety of
the media in which the art pieces were executed and the dexterousness of
the artists. This year’s edition featured over 85 works of art,
comprising paintings, mixed-media, drawing, sculpture and printmaking
from the five participating countries.
The exhibition opened with works of art from Nigeria. The art works,
which were taken from a collection of National art and gallery, featured
the works of some of Nigeria’s prolific and renowned artist whose works
are in public and private collections in Nigeria and beyond.
The works on display were aesthetically executed in a variety of
media from print, oil, pastel, acrylic and charcoal on canvas, paper and
board, mixed media, plastocast, fibre glass to metal and wood
sculptures. The art works exhibited are a micro-representation of the
trajectory of Nigeria art. Master strokes of brush, chisel and knife of
veteran Nigerian artists were showcased alongside those of the younger
generations whose works have matched the dexterity of modern artists in
the world.
They presented themes that deal with the vagaries of everyday life
politics, culture, mythology and history. The highlight of the event was
China’s appearance on the show which marked their first participation
in the art event with twenty five art works that included Chinese
Ceramic art works which can be traced back to the dynasty period.
China is without doubt, the home of the very exquisite Ceramics
crafted under strict conditions with painstaking attention to detail and
sensitivity to materials. The exquisite, delicate and pristine beauty
of these art pieces was a sight for sore eyes. Czech Republic, a two
time participant in the art of Friendship exhibition, exhibited eleven
Lithographs by a famous Oldrich and accomplished Czech painter and
illustrator.
Germany came with eleven woodcut prints, painted upside down; an
unconventional style of anamorphic painting that shocked the audience
and provoked reflection. South Korea has been part of Art of Friendship
from inception and featured 15 Korean traditional folk painting by
fifteen contemporary artists in this year’s exhibition.
The vibrant watercolors explored themes that range from landscape and
animal’s everyday life and living, purity and beauty to the
surrealistic world of mythology. While speaking at opening ceremony of
the Third edition of the Art of friendship 111 an exhibition of art from
Asia, Europe and Nigeria, the Director General of National Gallery of
Art NGR, Abdullahi Maku noted the agency is excited to be part of this
collaborative effort which aims at capturing and promoting the divergent
creative spirits from three continents
He said the “exhibition will have positive impact toward promoting
unity and sustainable development among the nations around the world.
The cross fertilization of ideas encapsulated in these works of art will
further deepen cross cultural creative expression and equip emerging
artists with a new visual language.”
On his own, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria; Mr. Noh Kyu-Duk,
solicited for more participating nation’s that would enhance robust and
mutual cooperative relations further.
According to him, it is through the magic of art that people with
different linguistic and cultural backgrounds can get together and feel
same emotion via artistic media.
