Founder of Mbari Institute holds lecture

Speakers and participants at a lecture by Mimi Wolford, founder of Mabri Insitiute, USA, held at Omenka Gallery, Lagos last week Monday (Photo by ADA DIKE)

Scholars and stakeholders in the world of art and culture, last week Monday converged at Omenka Gallery, Lagos, for a lecture by Mimi Wolford, founder of Mbari Institute of Contemporary African Art, Washington DC, USA.

Titled: “Mbari Art, Then and Now,” the lecture which was organised by the U.S. Consulate and Omenka Gallery commenced around 2pm with a welcome address by the President of Society of Nigerian Artists, Mr. Oliver Enwonwu.

The lecture was an avenue for interaction between the veteran and contemporary artists. Most of the speakers said that art world has witnessed a tremendous growth from what it used to be.

In her speech, Veteran artist, Mimi Wolford said Americans are beginning to appreciate African art. The founder of Mbari Institute of Contemporary African Art who hails from a tradition of artists also traced her passion for art from her parents, Richard Wolford and Jean Kennedy, who were involved in the world of art from early age. According to her, while living in Lagos from 1961, during her parents’ foreign service for seven years, they opened their home every Thursday afternoon to exhibit the works of Osogbo artists. She pointed out that Nigeria’s contemporary artists are doing good jobs which are being appreciated in America.

Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, said modern day artists was trying to incorporate modern ideas to his works, not necessarily concerned about the religious subject but wants to use art to change identity of Nigeria.
He also added that art is a tourist industry which when tapped would boost Nigeria’s economic growth.
He advised everyone to encourage today’s artists. “Take a few artists and promote them by displaying their works in your parlour so that your visitors will see it and want to know where you bought them,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Visual Art Society of Nigeria, Mr. Sammy Olagbaju defined a gallery or a museum as a meeting place to hear and play music, a place to dance and sign books. He’s of the opinion that they are many galleries and museum in many places in Nigeria unlike before which has helped young artists to project their works.
One of the prominent artists in Nigeria, Mr. Dotun Alabi was the master of the ceremony.
While giving a vote of thanks, the Public Diplomacy Officer
, Public Affairs Section, US Consulate-General in Lagos, Mrs Rhonda Watson urged artists in Nigeria to work together to make art in Nigeria a more viable industry for foreign exchange.