AN exhibition that focuses on the reinvention of forms and philosophies of the traditional Yoruba art is scheduled to hold from December 3 to 9, at Fobally Artworld Africa, 1A Amaechi Onuoha Crescent, Ikate Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos.
It is being organised by the alumni of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The exhibition, which is in its 30th edition, is tagged “Best of Ife @30,” with a theme “Beyond Onaism.’’
It is contextualised on what ‘Ona’ is, and the exploits of artists in different parts of the world who graduated from the 50-year=old Fine and Applied Arts department of the university.
During a press briefing in Lagos recently, Professor Moyo Okediji, who spoke virtually from his United States base, described his participation in the exhibition as a big honour.
He expressed excitement for being part of what is going on with the best of Ife group exhibition.
“I must really congratulate the organisers for putting the show together because now is the time for us to take control of our own art instead of waiting for outsiders to help us find ways of promoting ourselves,” he said.
Okediji, who is one of the ‘progenitors’ and major pioneers of ‘Ona’ movement, noted, “There used to be a time when only foreigners did this kind of thing and it’s really gratifying that we are calling the shots. Nonetheless the condition of Ife school to creativity in Nigeria has not been fully evaluated. And from the early 90s until now, the products of Ife art school have tremendously changed the styles of creativity in Nigeria.
“Ife at the time it came followed Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and when that came, it didn’t seem to have any coherent philosophy but as time went on, we were able to come up with a credible idea concerning the concept of ‘Ona’ and since then, it has become a very important philosophical Idea that is pushing not just Ife art actually, but also the art space in Nigeria today,” he added.
A professor of Visual and Aesthetics, African-American University, Port Novo, Kunle Filani, gave the historical background on the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the former University of Ife, noting that the department started with some students who were in the Faculty of Education.
Filani, who is one of the five ‘progenitors’ of the concept of ‘Onaism,’ disclosed that the philosophy behind the school was entrenched within the motto of the university, which says “For learning And Culture,” adding that it was not for fun that the alumni of the university were generally hailed as “Great Ife.”
He also explained the reason emphasis was on culture and why they wanted to reinvent culture without isolating themselves outside indigenous culture.
“It is so that there will be continuity and change. The teaching and orientation eventually led a group of five graduates, Moyo Okediji and myself, Tola Wewe, Bolaji Campbell and Tunde Nasiru, who started the idea of ‘Ona,’ which in English language is translated as designs, patterns and colours. It is a kind of embracing word far from art and creativity, which means that we have eyes for aesthetics. ‘Ona’ is an umbrella for creativity.”
He recalled that Best of Ife as a group exhibition started in 1993 whereas ‘Onaism’ has started around the middle and late 80s. “We have started exhibiting, writing in journals and making it popular before the Best of Ife group exhibition started in 1993.
“The Idea behind it is a reflection of the title of this 30th edition of the exhibition ‘Beyond Onaism.’ We realised the fact that as a school, we cannot be pigeonholed in a particular concept.
Students should be free to imbibe, and when they graduate, should be able to express. So we felt that while promoting ‘Onaism’ as concept of art, we should also encourage those who bring innovative ideas, new development and whatever it is where they excel. And we should also promote them so that we can have diversity. Luckily we have achieved that now.”
Also, South Africa-based Nigerian professor of Fine Arts at Rhodes University, Steve Folaranmi, noted that the Best of Ife group exhibition offered an avenue for members of the alumni to speak with one voice on any issue within the country using the art.
The moderator of the conference and Director with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Ayoola Mudashiru, said Fobally Artworld Africa will be home to over 50 pieces of artworks displayed by over 35 registered participating artists of diverse styles, approach and philosophies.
Founder and Creative Director, Fobally Artworld Africa, Folasade Abiola, expressed joy of hosting works of the masters and new graduates of Ife Art School in her gallery.
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