Treasures From Benin

By Adewole Ajala

UNIBEN trained artists finally shed their reclusive state to hold the first ever UBTA (University of Benin Trained artists) show at the National Museum, Onikan.

Tagged Treasures of Benin, an exhibition dripping with twenty artists and their proficiency over diverse mediums, it afforded art enthusiasts a peek into the creative tendencies of a school that thrived on a liberal form of pedagogy. This unfettered form of education enabled endless experimentation and eye-catching pieces from the participants.

The prerequisite for participating artists was a minimum of five years in full-time practice and the maturity was obvious in pieces by Olojo K.K, Akin Onipede, Njoku Kenneth, Edison Ekwueme, Edewor Uyoyou Nelson, Azagueni Evans, Okezie Okafor, George Edozie, Ogunwo Bolaji, Makun Adedotun, Abiola Adisa, Anyaeji Ifeoma, Enofe Festus, Ejeh Louise Collins, Peter Akinwumi, Ukweku Samson, Peju Layiwola, Odupute Francis, Joe Asaju Agbaje and Chidobe Obianauju-a silent signifier of the potential in the unnamed school and the movement that was striving to continue the legacies of the AWANSCA (Associations of Wangboje Students of Creative Arts) and the Ekenwan Art Grads show under Kunle Filani.

But apart from the historical mien it afforded the clutch of exhibiting artists it was also a day of bragging rights after UNIBEN’s provocation for exhibiting stemmed from the tendency of other art school’s to hug the limelight.

This effort was not without its shortcoming though; but they may be excusable for a first time out.

“I pray the next one will be better because organising artists is not easy,” one of the conveners George Edozie said. “We still have a lot to do even though there was a large turnout and sales were made. People are now aware that we exist and we are looking forward to have a small show in Benin with workshops and all that next year after removing the grain from the chaff.”

These remarks were not far from those of Njoku Kenneth who headed the event as the Benin City-based professional emphasised the aim of their quest to fill a void that other prominent schools of art were encroaching on while contributing its quota to Nigerian art.

“As intellectuals you will hear more from us regarding art and the nation in general,” Njoku added. “We have some strong believers of the dream and Lagos is the bomb as it allows you to know the true feeling about your works. I see further increases in our number as a challenge but we will be able to carry on as the spirit is very large.