The evening was an animated tapestry of inviting colours, each brush stroke reflecting the rich diversity of human expression and creativity.
The Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) held its exhibition with a theme ‘humanism’ in Abuja, bringing to life a glossy array of artistic perspectives and impressions.
The exhibition is the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the Life In My City Art Festival, a platform where young artists from 15 regions across the country compete for a 6 million naira grand prize.
Speaking to the Guardian, the Art Director of Life in my City, Ayo Adewumi, disclosed that the exhibition is an opportunity for young artists in Nigeria to showcase their artistry.
He further revealed that artists from only 13 regions are participating in this year’s festival.
Ayo called on the government to create more opportunities for young artists to preserve the legacy of visual arts in Nigeria.
“The idea was to give a platform for young artists to be able to express themselves and also to use art as a means of social development. Nigerian young artists are very creative and therefore there are no good opportunities for them to show their work and even get their work sold or win Amazon prizes.
“This is the 17th edition. This year we have a total of 637 entries which means it is gaining national recognition. We have 13 regions around the country including Lagos, Ondo, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Jos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Zaria and other places in Enugu also inclusive. The government must collaborate with the National Gallery of Arts need to do more to preserve the future of visual arts,” He said
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The Director General of the National Gallery of Art, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Obadan Christian, assured artists of the agency’s willingness to do things differently and create a conducive atmosphere for Nigerian Artists.
“There is a new sheriff in town with a smoking gun and a listening ear for everyone. Please be informed that as Director General, I have begun to pull down barriers and diffuse negative energies that have hitherto affected relationships between the National Gallery of Art and its critical stakeholders. I am using this opportunity to invite stakeholders for cross-fertilization of ideas for the benefit of the Visual Art sector.”
Also, Williams Josephine Uchechukwu, whose work was exhibited, spoke about her art when she said: “My work revolves around the theme of humanism, emphasizing our shared humanity and interconnectedness. I believe that we need to overcome the divisions we’ve created and embrace one other for a better world. My artwork, ‘Our Blo she saidod Has The Same Color’, symbolizes this unity. It’s a mixed media piece using sawdust, representing our connection to the earth.,”