One of the works for exhibition
The
hustle and bustle of entertainment that usually characterises the Eko
Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos is set to take another
dimension as a new platform for contemporary African art will open
there on Saturday. Named Art Twenty One, the platform promises to be a
big deal for artists across the continent as its founders aim to elevate
their status beyond fame.
“While the `drip and splash’
abstractions of Jackson Pollock sell in the art market for millions of
dollars,” they say in an introductory statement, “ the equivalent from
Nigeria and other African countries send ripples globally but makes
little discernable impact financially. This is set to change as the new
platform joins 21st-century audiences, artists and enthusiasts who
increasingly challenge this suggested „lack of impact, to promote and
position the value of contemporary art from across Nigeria and Africa!
“Art Twenty One (Art21) is a beautiful
open space – on the ground floor of the new and upcoming Eko Hotel &
Suites, Signature boutique hotel– exuding infectious energy/passion for
contemporary African, Nigerian , and Lagosian art world.”
The brain behind Art21, Caline Chagoury,
is thrilled to be able to bring such a platform to Lagos, which she
describes as wonderful city she has always treasured.
She notes, “ My art consulting firm
focuses on creating artistic spaces, bringing artists together, being
part of the movement to create a real art market on the continent, and
giving the world a taste of the Lagos I know and love. I hope that a
space like this will inspire many, bring people together, and show the
world what we are capable of. “
The Art21 space is conceived to provide a
platform for renowned Nigerian and African artists to showcase their
talent on a platform which makes no apology for radical, bold and
experimentation with the aim of commanding audience from far and wide,”
she adds. It will provide a platform for renowned Nigerian and African
artists to showcase their talent on a platform which makes no apology
for radical, bold and experimentation with the aim of commanding
audience from far and wide.
The first exhibition to be unveiled at
the inauguration of Art 21 is the work of Olu Amoda, a designer &
teacher at Yaba Tech. Olu’s art exemplifies what can be made out of
“supposedly trash” as he welds/assembles things such as discarded nails
and old locks into intricate sculptures.
The Saturday’s opening is, however, strictly by invitation as it will thereafter open to all
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