Artistic statements from SOS kids

IT WAS a display of promising talents recently as youths of the SOS Children's Villages, Nigeria exhibited their drawings, paintings, beadworks, printmaking and mixed media works in Lagos to the admiration of all and sundry.The event, which held at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu was the second comprehensive art exhibition by the young artists titled 'Rhythm of Life'. It, essentially, featured collection of artworks by six youths in paintings, mixed media works, prints and motifs.It was learnt that the six artists who were trained by professionals created the artworks aimed at showcasing and exposing the talents of the youth in their chosen career.President of the Art Gallery Owners Association of Nigeria, Dr. Frank Chukwuma Okonta who inaugurated the exhibition described the various works as a reflection of events and other realities in Africa, especially in Nigerian society, as well as the influence of the arts of other cultures on the works of African artists.Okonta said: 'This is a show of considerable scope and ambition; it can be said of its preparation from both the artists and promoters of the exhibition.'The works on display show some stint of self-taught working in modern styles. The works are strong, varied and shrewdly responsive in the ambivalent western and non-western synthesis they engage.'The works evinced a vividly detailed sense of fantasy which include happy moment, Gele-o-dun, Celebration of life, Melody makers, Sax accords, Dance tune, Aquatic habitat, Sundew, African pride among others.'He commended the efforts of the budding artists as new dimensions, excitement and encouragement to the art and craft works.Management of the SOS Children Village thanked the National Gallery of Arts for donating the space used for the event. Other dignitaries at the event lauded the talents of the up-coming artists. The show ran from October 25 to 28, 2011.
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