ARTISTIC AGENTS OF CHANGE by Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

An ongoing joint exhibition of the works Ato Arinze and the US-based Solomon Isekeije seeks to bring change to a distressed world.

Of course, two creative minds would always join forces! This is more to be expected when they consider themselves kindred spirits. Fate had neatly scripted the meeting between the Lagos art scene’s acknowledged “guru” of ceramic sculpture Ato Arinze and the US-based artist, Solomon Isekeije. The two artists – Arinze and Isekeije – share so much in common, their interaction would later confirm to them. Both wish to use art to improve the environment.
It had started with a “chance” first encounter at an exhibition held at the Goethe-Institut’s former waterfront premises along Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue in Victoria Island, Lagos. Facebook told Isekeije more about what he would like to know about his new-found friend.
One of the logical fallouts of this creative symbiosis was the joint exhibition, which opened on Saturday, August 24 at the Quintessence’s new location close Ikoyi’s Parkview Estate gate. Titled Primal Rebirth, it featured ceramic sculptures, prints and drawings and is on until September 8.
At the press briefing cum briefing, held at Quintessence’s Q-Café, the two artists enthused about the similarity of their works. Isekeije had trained first trained at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Ile-Ife, where he was mentored in sculpture by Professor Agbo Folarin.
Professor Folarin, the dreadlocks-sporting artist recalled, had introduced him “to the dynamics of various sculptural techniques, strength of materials and material applications through riveting lectures and the opportunity to assist [him] on his public art commission projects”.
Arinze, a 1991 Yaba College of Technology sculpture graduate, has honed his skills with clay during his over 20 years of studio practice as a ceramic sculptor. “I enjoy working with clay,” he declares in his artist statement. “The vessel for me is a metaphor for the world, the surface a canvas. It’s my belief that one who can model perfectly, rounded pot can equally make the best from life. He can also influence many.”
The artist, whose works are highly sought after by art patrons, has in addition facilitated many seminars and workshops on creativity, art business, pottery and sculpture. “My thoughts, concepts and feelings are influenced by nature and events around the world,” he further explained. “All this determines the fate of a given vessel. The shape and forms of each work depends solely on my vision as inspired by activities in our environment.”
The works of both two artists seethe with restrained emotions. In a world where, more often than not, unbridled passions overrule rationality, they stand out as solitary rocks in their quest for change and the deeper meaning behind it all. They do not lose themselves in frenzies of religious self-righteousness but seek through their works to express their hopes and aspirations for a better world. Arinze, for instance, explained: “When thinking of man’s inhumanity to man, the destruction of the ecosystem and the conflict and instability all around the world, the urge to punch or perforate the vessels with holes and lacerations become apparent. However, when a concept is inspired by the beauty of nature and the celebration of good deeds, I am moved to embellish the surface of the vessels with beautiful motifs.”
The coherence of the two artists with their mediums is irrefutable. While Arinze frantically seeks to claw his way from out of the chaos of his environment, Isekeije grapples with his experiences of diverse culture and his African identity in the Diaspora. While producing his works, Arinze is mainly motivated by the urge to share, give and love as he seeks enlightenment and the understanding of peaceful human co-existence. Isekeije goes through the path of “research and artistic investigation”, edging his materials “to their logical limits and beyond”. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore lecturer added: “Sometimes, my experiments yield the desired result and quite often the opposite is the case. This phenomenological approach results in various projected and inadvertent [outcomes] incorporated into my mixed media art pieces.”
Arinze’s patented decorative ceramic pots and nameless contortions with fired clay might as well be logical extensions of Isekeije’s ceramic sculptures like “Sonnet to the Red Moon”, “Totem to the Palm-wine Drinker”.
But Arinze’s “Syria” parodies the incoherence of the intrigues in the crisis-torn Middle Eastern country. A lacerated and contorted ceramic vase with simulated cracks is an apt metaphor for the events in that country. Besides the obvious allusion to the anti-Assad insurgencies and divisions even among Syrian rebels, the metaphor could be extended to the logic-defying intrigues of the US and other Western powers as well as the obduracy the embattled president’s backers.
Obvious in Isekeije’s works are his exploration of the psychological effects of acculturation. His serigraphy offering, “Irinkeredo” (Constant Traveller), alludes a psychological journey through the Diaspora experience of an African. In the work, a traveller – depicted as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man” – stands at a crossroad carpeted with an American flag and with iconic African and American images as a backdrop. While he is trailed by his cultural, mental and meta-physical baggage, he assumes a chameleonic personality which is captured in his altered physical appearance.
A confluence of ideas divergent ideas, the artist seeks to condense them in visually-coherent images. He struggles through the dense thickets of cryptic images to express what he wants his viewers to accept as “the collaboration between art and science and an attempt to draw a correlation between man and his universe.”
Isekeije currently teaches sculpture, ceramic and printmaking at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. According to the artist, he manages a state-of-the-art computer laboratory, which he had secured his course redesign grant. “My primary objective in the classroom is to inspire my students and help them cultivate a sense of personal and artistic identity. The idea is to teach my students to explore from within, understand and learn how to become relevant [in their societies] by defining their personal worldview. Every day in my classroom, I pursue this goal, one student at a time.”
The exhibition’s rallying call to use art as an agent of change is in sync with the activities of both artists. Arinze, for instance, as the co-founder and co-coordinator of the art collective, Artzero, has been actively involved in the promotion of the works of young, upcoming artists within and outside Lagos. As one of Artzero’s helmsmen, he was instrumental to the group’s flagship exhibition, Art on the Mainland.
“Through our art, we can draw strength to push our society forward,” Isekeije said. Before the coterie of art journalists, who attended the preview, he spoke of self-definition. This implies defining one’s own personal identity.
The MFA degree holder of the Old Dominion University is one of the brains behind the UK-based Theoo Foundation, which seeks to rehabilitate less-privileged members of the society.
His joint exhibition with Arinze launches him back into an evolving art scene he had left behind 13 years ago. This exhibition is a precursor of his planned collaboration with locally-based artists in his quest to improve the society. He, for instance, decried the dreariness of Nigeria’s flagship airport, Murtala Mohammed International Airport and offered to work free of charge to upgrade the airport’s aesthetic value.
Change, for both artists, begins with each individual.

SPAN Promotes Youths

Sarah Boulos

The Founder, Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), Mrs Sarah Boulos, has said recently that the Nigerian youths needed extra encouragement in the world of Arts to achieve greatness in their areas of endeavour.

She told reporters in Lagos at the 1st Dance and Music Academy Graduation ceremony of SPAN held at the Eko Hotels that SPAN is here to educate and promote Nigerian youths in whatever they wanted to do in the world of Arts. ‘We have created opportunities and enabling environment for them and also make sure that they dialogue, develop and overcome limitations through the arts.’

Sarah explained that it is a healing and transformation tool to get where they want to be; adding that today, they are defined by what they do more than who they are. ‘For that reason, we motivate, encourage, reinforce, recognise, appreciate, nurture and engaged youths and others to further their talents in learning their acts. When people, especially youths, are encouraged to further their education or driven to excel in their heroic journey, the country benefits. There, we will see loyalty, integrity and dedication and transformation in our nation.'

According to her, SPAN would always give and encourage the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s culture and tradition, which will forever be nurtured, preserved and showcased for all to see and experience.

Meanwhile, she stressed that the academy would be a hub for creativity, where ‘our community will not only find a place to escape boredom, appreciate the craft, be inspired and be educated  but will also value it. ‘We regrettably announce the passing-on of one of our students, Zainab Raji before the end of last season. In honour of her, we opened a foundation.’              
The foundation’s hope is to challenge the mindset of youths and others; to be empowered to serve the nation and affect its environment then provide a promising future for the generation to come. While its aim is to set a world standard performing arts education in Nigeria it offers classes in professional stage acting, music and dance.

At the event, certificates were awarded to them and two people were given scholarships to further their dance act in France. ‘Already, 15 students indicated interest in the training in the academy for music and dance act but only nine was able to scale through,' she said.

SPAN is a registered non-governmental organisation founded in 2004, which seeks to provide the much needed opportunity for the talented and gifted persons, especially the children and youths, to express themselves through the arts.

ANA Lagos Sets for Congress and Election

 

The executive council of the Lagos Branch of the Association of Nigerian Authors plans to hold its Association's state congress for September 14 this year at the Little Theatre (NCAC Artistes' Village) National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, at 2PM.

 

According to its chairman, Mr A.J. Dagga Tolar, the congress will have as its major agenda items’ elections into the executive council of the Lagos Branch and preparation for the ANA International Convention in Akure from November 7-10, this year.

Folktale in Colours: Lindy’s Gems to hold Funday

Children having fun at Lindy's Gems event in Victoria Island, Lagos, recently...

All is now set for this year’s edition of fun-day event, which will hold on October 19 this year at the Muri-Okunola Park, Adeyemo-Alakija, in Victoria Island, Lagos, at 10 AM. 

This charity event, titled, Nigerian folktale in Colours, is organised by Lindy’s Gems Foundation; in line with its vision to build self motivated, balanced and confident children across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

  

According to its initiator, Mrs Eme Aderinokun, in a press briefing recently, this year’s event is centred on exploring the minds of the future leaders and their interpretation of the folktales in Arts    pictures and crafts, as the country celebrates her Independence. 

“This theme will expose our under-privileged children to the world of art (against all odds), trigger the creative and artistic instincts in them, to appreciate the value they can get through Arts and begin to nurture dreams that can make them better people and in turn great leaders,” she explained.

The event, sponsored by Total Nigeria, GTB, MTN, UAC, LEGO, MTN,

GlaxoSmithKline, promassidor, IBST media, Lucid audio visual, TW Magazine, Foot Prints, Aero Contractors,  Bella Naija, HNK events and Classicus rentals  among others, promised to be a fun-day for all.

Entry Submission for Etisalat Prize for Literature Closes 30th August

Enitan Denloye

Etisalat Nigeria, has announced the 30th of this August as its closing date for the submission of entries into the Debut Fiction category of the Etisalat Prize for Literature. The DF category, which opened on 5^th June will officially close this August to kick off the judging process by the panel of judges chaired by Pumla Gqola.

According to the Director, Brands and Communications Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye,  in a press release issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mabel Aladenusi, the entries received spanned across the continent, a testament to the abundance of literary talent out of Africa. 'We have received some exciting and quality entries since the call for entries of the Etisalat Prize and what we are doing with this Prize is to focus attention on first time published writers.  We are delighted to have provided a platform that showcases and celebrates the uniqueness and creativity in the literary arts as it relates to fiction in Africa.'

He explained that the EPL is the first ever pan-African prize to applaud first time writers of published fiction books. It boasts of a seasoned panel of Judges from across the continent; each with the aim of identifying new writers of African descent. 'Submitted works must be the writer’s first fiction book of over 30,000 words, which has been published in the last 24 months.'

Enitan explained, 'Entries for the Fiction Novel category will be assessed by four preselected judges chaired by the Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), Pumla Gqola; Professor of Creative writing at the University of Ohio Zakes Mda; writer and academic Sarah Ladipo Manyika and the Managing Editor of Kwani Trust, of the literary Journal Kwani, Billy Kahora.

With a prize money of £15,000, alongside a Samsung Note, the winner of the Fiction Novel category will also go on an Etisalat-sponsored book tour in three major cities and be awarded a fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia, the pre-eminent school for creative writing and mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of the Last King of Scotland. The second place will receive a cash prize of £1,000 and also go on an Etisalat-sponsored book tour with a Samsung Note. Etisalat will also purchase 1,000 copies of the three shortlisted books, which will be distributed across libraries and schools in the continent as a way of celebrating the publishing industry.

Etisalat disclosed that in just four years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 15 million in a competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include easy starter: easycliq, easybusiness, easyblaze and easyflex; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.

'For its outstanding performance since the launch of commercial operations, Etisalat has won the Nigerian telecoms industry’s first ever Excellent Service and effective Collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Bureau to ensure access to Customer Care Help line.'

The company has also won several other awards, which include Brand of the Year, Best Telecom Customer Service, Telecom Innovations Company of the Year and Most Innovative Corporate Social Responsibility Company.

Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 15 operations of the Etisalat Group that spans across Africa, Middle East and Asia serving over 140 million subscribers and it is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.

Etisalat Launches Prize for Literature

Pix 1 (L-R): Head, High Value Events & Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi; Patron, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede; Chair of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Pumla Gqola and the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, at the Etisalat Prize for Literature Press Conference, held at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos recently...

The Etisalat telecommunications launches its first ever Pan-African prize for literature celebrating African writers of published fiction novels throughout the continent, as entries begins from today, 5^th June until the 30^th August this year.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Steven Evans at a press briefing of presenting the judging panel for the maiden edition at the Wheat-baker Hotels, Lagos, entries for the Fiction Novel category opens today, the 5^th of June, to publishers, who have published a minimum of five authors in the last three years. In the end of the competition and process, the winner will go with 15 thousand pounds and other prizes.

The two categories include Full length English fiction novels and Flash Fiction Short Stories, to be launched towards the end of the year and driven entirely through social media. ‘All entries will be assessed by a panel of four preselected judges chaired by the Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) and South Africa’s most celebrated intellectuals, Pumla Gqola. Other judges include the Professor of Creative writing at the University of Ohio and winner of the Commonwealth Prize, Zakes Mda; the Managing Editor of Kwani Trust, of the literary Journal Kwani Billy Kahora and Sarah Ladipo Manyika, writer and academic.’

He explained that the submitted works must be the writers’ first fiction novels of over 30,000 words and which have been published in the last twenty-four months. ‘The judges will work together to select the long list as well as a shortlist of three novels and finally the winner will be announced next February (2014).’

Criteria for entry to the Fiction Novel: publishers will submit a minimum of 10 books. Each publisher will be allowed to enter a minimum of three books each from different writers with seven copies of the novel being entered alongside acceptance publicity terms.  

Evans added that the Prize was created out of the need to give recognition to indigenous works of literature while also rewarding new entrants and encouraging further participation. “We are pleased to have initiated this important project that celebrates literary excellence and creativity in Nigeria and across Africa. We believe literature has the potential to effect change and serve as a catalyst for promoting a cultural revolution. However, it is a field that has been relegated to the background, making African fiction and short story writers to look to international awards for recognition.’  

While the long list announcement will be on 11^th December this year, the shortlist announcement will hold on next January15. ‘The winner will be announced next February.

The telecommunications company, Etisalat, says this prize is a way of sharing in the passions and aspirations of young and upcoming writers as well as breathing new life to the literary society. ‘It serves as a viable platform for the discovery of new creative talents from the continent and invariably promotes the growing publishing industry in Africa.’

Other patrons present at the event included the first African born winner of the Pulitzer prize Dele Olojede of Nigerian; the Youngest and first black woman publisher and co-founder of Allison & Busby, Margaret Busby; the Deputy Editor of Granta Magazine Ellah Allfrey from Zimbabwe and the Nigerian intellectual and writer, Professor Kole Omotoso.
 

CORA Book Party to Celebrate Poetry

The CORA BOOK Party has set August 18 to honour and announce the final three laureates for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature 2013, at the EkoHotel on Victoria Island Lagos at 2:30PM.

According to its promoters, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, in a press release recently, the Prize this year is devoted to Poetry. ‘This is the 5th edition of the Book Party and the CORA, is setting up this elaborate feast to honour the shortlisted works and authors, expected to emerge from the near 200 entries, which the organisers said they received for this year’s prize.’

It said the essence of the Party is to enable the public encounter the poets and engage the works that have been adjudged fitting to earn the $100,000 (N16million) prize.

The programme, which is organised by CORA, Committee for Relevant Art, has promised that the short listed works would be reviewed, discussed and critiqued. ‘It is a package of literary feasting, featuring performances, wining and dining, where the shortlisted authors and their works are celebrated for emerging as some of the very best in the country.’