The Director-General, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), Ahmed Sodangi, has restated his organisation`s commitment to reposition the visual art sector in the country.
He said that this would enable the artists key into the creative economy aspect of President Bola Tinubu`s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
Sodangi stated this at the opening of an art exhibition of” Landscapes and Flavours” of three remarkable artists Mark Rwang, Pauline Malize and Katurag Chinyio, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said creativity and imagination were two qualities that define human experience globally.
Sodangi said the exhibition featured the works of three artists, who are exploring different themes and techniques, by showcasing their unique prospective visions through their pieces displayed before us.
“We are poised to carry artists along by making them the centre- piece of our operations.
” I am using this platform to inform all stakeholders that during my tenure as the Director-General, I will introduce more innovation and incentives.
” Such innovation and incentive will create an enabling environment for art to thrive for the growth and development of the sector,” he said.
He said that art has the power to inspire, uplift and transform, as well as allowing us to see the world in new ways and connecting with humanity.
The NGA boss further said that the works of the three artists embodied the transformative power of art.
“I appreciate the artists for sharing their works with us. It takes a lot of encouragement to put your work out for public view.
“Their passion for art made them work tirelessly to create such pictures.
” Art has the power to evoke emotion and spark discussion. It allows us to see the world from new perspectives and appreciation of beauty in new ways.
” Their exhibition pieces will make you feel inspired, moved and cause you to reflect in so many ways,” he added.
Also, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the exhibition would help in celebrating the beauty of creativity of artists in the country.
Musawa was represented by Akwudo Nwosu, Director, Entertainment and Creative Service in the ministry.
She said that the creative event showcased the power of creativity, art and culture.
According to her, the role of creativity, art and culture in socio economic empowerment, are critical sub-sectors that will attract foreign investment to the country.
”The artists here today have different backgrounds that promote cultural diversities, social collations and mass mobilisation of people.
” This exhibition is a universal language that speaks to our heart, mind and soul, transcending culture, religion, society and language background,” she said.
The minister commended NGA management and staff, as well as the three artists, for putting in their best to showcase these masterpieces.
A professor of Fine Arts, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Prof. Jerry Buhari, urged the ministry to key into the economic value of art and culture.
Buhari, who is the chairman of the occasion, said it was easy to look at the value of art in terms of naira and Kobo, dollars and pounds, but it was imperative to understand the value that art plays in nation building.
” We are delighted to see the works of artists in a vibrant artistic environment of Nigeria, as well as those who supported the culture industry in Nigeria.
”The culture sector had suffered poor recognition and funding. The works of these three artists have captured the beauty and diversity of our natural environment in their works.
” They explored various techniques and styles, using their visuals, emotions and direct response to these landscapes to build facilities and interpret their experiences.
” They also interpret their experience by contemplating a situation in which artists come from a geographical environment that is going through security challenges,” he said.
