Benin Art Fair Throws Spotlight On Edo Heritage

After a successful maiden edition last year, the second edition of The Benin Art Fair, with the theme Legacy and innovation: Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of Benin Art drew thousands of visitors over four days, marking historic moments for Benin’s vibrant art community.

At this year’s Benin Art Fair, held recently at the  Abstract Backyard on Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, Benin City, these elements extend the experience of transforming the Benin Art Fair beyond visual art, into an educational and sensorial journey through Benin’s evolving identity. The Azieyiosabo Cultural Troupe and two indigenous Benin musical groups thrilled the guests

The opening began with a welcome and guided tour led by the Fair Director, Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, for delegates from the Edo State Government. In attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo State, Hon. Gani Audu, the Commissioner of Lands and Housing, Hon. Yakubu Musa (Yakson) and the former Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy, Anto Lecky, applauded the vision and impact of the fair. The fair featured over a hundred artworks, including sculptures and installations, which included masterpieces by celebrated sculptor Ben Osawe, Oka Newton, and other emerging and established Nigerian artists across the country.

Initiator and Director of the fair, Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, described the fair as an unparalleled opportunity for artists, sponsors, and art lovers to engage with the rich artistic culture of Benin while embracing contemporary creativity.

He said that with a growing international reputation for its art and culture, Benin is the ideal location to elevate Nigeria’s art scene and showcase the diversity and innovation of Nigerian and African artists. To him, it is also an opportunity for many artists to expand their visibility and showcase new projects, noting that the fair is to position Benin City as a leading hub for global art and cultural exchange. According to him, the objectives of the Benin Art Fair include showcasing Benin’s art legacy, promoting local artists, enhancing international exposure and fostering cultural dialogue.

Curator of the fair, Mr. Oluwatosin Jekami, said that beyond the celebrated bronzes and royal artistry lies an expansive terrain yet to be fully uncovered; a lane that spans intersections of contemporary art, entertainment, culture and indigenous traditions.

“The Benin Art Fair was conceived to address this continuum: to document, interpret, and re-present the evolving narratives of Benin’s artistic journey,” he added.
The fair was solely sponsored by The Osa Okunbor Foundation..