By Our Reporter
A three- month long arts exhibition has started in Abuja, the federal capital territory.
The exhibition which is the longest so far in the city is mounted by Chike Emembo, a painter and art entrepreneur. The convener of the Plates and palettes project season 8 an art exhibition that is designed to discover alternative Art spaces where artists get to interact directly with new audiences without any interference of a middle person. The exhibition which is the longest running exhibition in the FCTwill be on for 3 months and is currently showing at the Missouri Hotell maitama and Charcoal grill WUSE 2
The Authority gathered that Chike who also serves as the Chairman of Society of Nigerian Artists FCT chapter, is a full time studio artist, from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, with a pepetoire spanning representational art, digital art and mixed media art. His works border on Christian faith based themes interpreted in a very contemporary manner. He has been incredibly consistent and devoted to his craft. According to him; the on- going art exhibition is the most Consistent art exhibition in the FCT currently running its 8th season and creating platform to show numerous artists in the process.
This season 8 features two other Artists: Steven Eruada a graduate of the prestigious Yaba Tech college of Art class of 89′. Steve is master of the pallette knife, his work is representational in style and predominantly passes social commentary on everyday living.. His works are usually monumental amwith vigorous paint application with the knife, demonstrating decades of experience and wealth of knowledge.
The beauty of the Plates and palettes art exhibition is perhaps the flavour and variety as is seen with the works of another exhibiting artist Ezekwesili Nnam. His is full abstraction marked with vibrant bright colors, Ezekwesili is an experimental artist, environmental artist and an abstract expressionist. His rendition explores diverse media from pointilist acrylic on canvass to up cycled aluminum roofing sheets what is undeniable is the thought and energy that goes into the process.
According to Chike, the exhibition also debuted in Lagos between February and March this year, and will see multiple locations as the year progresses. He opined that whilst we stick to Covid – 19 protocols, we have to sustain the growth experienced in the Art sector in the last few years, even as Nigeria seeks to diversify her economy. Furthermore the exhibition also will seek to lift the gloomy mood cast over the nation given the on-going pandemic, bringing colour and vibrancy to the Nigerian populace. The exhibition continues till 29th May 2021.