Young artists highlight challenges facing youths in Instinct

FROM cultism, unemployment, pain, insecurity, among other themes, a group of young artists, Samson Toba Oladosu, Segun Okewumi, Oluwasegun Ojebiyi and Gobe Daniel Joseph, through their works, have denounced the challenges facing Nigerian youths.

Their exhibition at the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Oyo State, reveals the inner pain being felt by the artists on the state of things in their fatherland. However, not all their works are about gloom, as the artists also focus on mother’s love, path to glory, success, among other positive themes.

In his opening remarks during the opening of the exhibition, the Director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Mr Nicholas Michelland, commended the artists for focusing on societal issues through their works.

Michelland said the Alliance Francaise would continue to help young artists grow by providing them with the platform to showcase their talents.

The director said it was in the bid to project the talents of young artists that he co-founded an annual art exhibition, Life in my City, 10 years ago, where artists work on those positive aspects of societal living.

“Ten years down the line, Life in my City is still going stronger and it is one of the most popular art competitions in the country today.

“As the Director of Alliance Francaise, I will continue to support providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents, while building a relationship with the French cultural society,” Michelland said.

The chairman on the occasion, Kola Akintola, in his remarks, commended the artists for bringing their emotions to bear in their works.

Akintola, an artist himself, said art lovers would definitely feel what the artists have said through their works.

“The enthusiasm and passion they have put in their works is second to none, and this goes a long way in determining why they will succeed as artists.

“With themes such as child abuse, cultism, youth unemployment, among others, these artists are definitely the ambassadors for Nigerian youths.

“However, it is important artists learn the French language, so as not to limit themselves to the Nigerian audience,” Mr Akintola advised.

While speaking on behalf of the other artists, Samson Toba Oladosu thanked the Alliance Francaise for providing them with the platform to showcase their works to the world.

Oladosu appreciated the role being played by the French cultural agency in promoting artists, saying it is going a long way in providing a bright future for young artists.