ONE of the creative platforms for discovering and celebrating emerging visual artists in Nigeria, Next of Kin has unveiled 20 finalists for the 2025 edition of the competition, themed ‘Who Will Give Us A Masterpiece?
The Director of Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Mr Ovie Omatsola, who doubled as the curator and coordination of the exhibition described the programme as being synonymous with talent discovery and economic empowerment.
Omatshola explained that the programme offers guidance and mentorship as support to propel emerging African artists to the limelight.
Having stated that it is an impact and sustainability art project, Ovie relived that Next of Kin was conceived to contribute to the development of fresh talents.
Past winners such as Anthonia Nnneji, Christian Allison, and Yakno Jessica have seen their profiles soar, transitioning from emerging artists to sought-after names within collector circles. The ripple effects are clear: these artists now contribute to a burgeoning art market that has grown exponentially in Nigeria and across Africa.
One of the jurors for Next of Kin Series 7 is Nathalie Djakou Kassi, a renowned Cameroonian artist currently based in Nigeria.
Her work has been recognised internationally, including winning the first African Prize of Creativity at the Ouagadougou International Salon of Art Craft. Celebrated globally for her ceramic art and creativity, she is a true inspiration in the world of art.
Also to make a Juror is Kelani Abass, whose works explore the fusion of the past and the present, focusing on material inheritance, memory, and the interplay of personal and societal histories.
There also is Arinze Stanley Egbengwu whose background is in engineering, in spite of which he found his true passion in art. Inspired by African culture and personal experiences, his works often explore themes of identity, resilience, and shared experiences.
Speaking on the jury’s criteria for NOK S7 competition and exhibition, Omatsola revealed that for selecting the winning artists, six key areas of assessment are: Subject Matter and Content (two marks): How well the artwork communicates its theme or message; creativity and originality (five marks): The uniqueness and inventiveness of the work; composition and presentation (two marks): The arrangement and overall presentation of the piece; use of material mastery (four marks): Skillful handling and expertise in the chosen medium; aesthetic perception (four marks): The overall visual appeal and the ability to evoke emotions or responses in the viewer; professionalism and preparedness (three marks): Artist demonstrates professionalism by adhering to the application guidelines and deadlines of the event.
He said these criteria would guide the jury’s assessment of the artworks and ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each piece.
The NOK S7 competition and exhibition promises to be an exciting showcase of artistic talent, and the jury’s careful consideration of these criteria will help identify the standout works.
Next of Kin, an art initiative by Thought Pyramid Art Centre, was inaugurated in 2018 to plan and prepare the future of visual art in Nigeria by discovering from the hoard of current emerging visual artists — one who possesses that peculiar artistic originality and creative disruptiveness with transcending futuristic abilities and traits.
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