On Thursday, May 11, 2023, lovers of arts, scholars, students, and members of the public from different works of life gathered at the Cornelius Adepegba Museum of African Art (CAMA), Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), to witness an exhibition of paintings and sculptures.
The exhibition tagged, “Ibadan MetArtMorphosis” was put together to celebrate the works of three Ibadan-based artists, Bola Opadiran, Bolaji Aremu, and Kolawole Joseph.
The three artists are renowned for their unique styles and approaches to the creation of works of art. While Opadiran is known for mixed media works made from a multiplicity of materials, Aremu uses concentric lines and bold colours for his art and Joseph, who is a sculptor, uses recycled materials to create eye-catching objects including human figures, masks, and animals.
In his speech at the exhibition, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju stated that the exhibition’s title captured the essence of the artistic journey and the transformative nature of the creative process.
Appreciating the rich artistic heritage of Ibadan and pointing out that he has an unwavering belief in the transformative power of art, Adebowale traced the history of the Museum to 1984 when it was established at the Institute of African Studies.
His words, “Over the years, it has involved into a custodian of a vast collection of ethnographic objects and contemporary artworks, reflecting the diverse cultures and artistic expressions from across the African continent. Our commitment to fostering artistic creativity and promoting contemporary Nigerian artists is deeply ingrained in our institution’s mandate, and we take great pride in being a patron of the artistic ferment in Nigeria.”
According to him, by celebrating the artistic brilliance of the artists, homage is being paid to the cultural tapestry of Ibadan, a city renowned for its vibrant artistic heritage.
Speaking, the museum’s curator and a former Director of the Institute of African Studies, Professor Ohioma Pogoson pointed out that about 30 artworks exhibited speak to the Ibadan culture.
Stressing that the museum would not relent in showcasing good artworks and promoting good artists and their works, he revealed that the exhibition would take three weeks, and encouraged arts lovers to visit the museum at any convenient time to appreciate the exhibited artworks and buy works that they like at a reasonable price.
He called on the management of the nation’s Premier University to assist in funding the museum, calling on the institution to fulfill its promise of providing the museum with air conditioners.
The three exhibitors lamented the attitude of Nigerians towards the works of art, saying that the economic and social values of artworks cannot be over-emphasized.
Opadiran, a holder of Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, who stated that the exhibition is a proof that artwork in Ibadan is at the zenith, pointed out that their participation in the exhibition was to showcase the artistic delivery of Ibadan-based artists.
Opadiran, who displayed 15 artworks at the exhibition encouraged the younger ones to look towards creative work as a profession that could make them bosses of their own, adding that creative work is lucrative.
Also, Aremu, who exhibited three works said, “My work explains the value of our culture and tradition”, saying that the thrust of his work is that there is nowhere like home.
He appealed to Nigerians to appreciate their country and come together to make the Nigerian project work.
He also appealed to schools’ authorities to take art subject seriously by employing good teachers that would teach students who have an interest in art, appealing to the parents not to discourage their wards from studying art in school.
In the same direction, Joseph said that art is going to another level in Nigeria and affirmed that art is not inferior to other professions but the success one makes out of it lies in the practitioners.
He urged the government to encourage the artists saying, “Art is therapy. Artworks in the hospital aid recuperating process.”
