How SNA Lagos held joint ‘October Rain’ exhibition with Rivers State Chapter

At least 50 practicing visual artists under the aegis of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos State Chapter and 32 artists from Rivers State converged in Lagos and showcased their artworks in their annual exhibition known as October Rain.

Tagged: “Perspective of Change, the exhibition which will take place at the Nike Art Centre, #2 Elegushi Road, Ikate Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lagos, from Saturday, October 29 to November 4, 2016 is dedicated in honour of Late Samuel Olagbaju.

Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos last week, Mr. Dotun Alabi, the Chairman, SNA Lagos State Chapter, explained that two things make this year’s exhibition unique include:  “live performance by top leading artists - Mr. Jelili Atiku, Mrs. Odun Orimolade and Mr. Durodola Yusuf at the opening ceremony and for the first time, we are having two chapters collaborating for an exhibition- Lagos and Rivers SNA. It promises to be a very interesting exhibition because people will be introduced to view works from artists who basically live and practice outside Lagos.”

On why they dedicated this year’s exhibition in honour of Late Olagbaju, Mr. Alabi revealed that Mr. Olagbaju was a very passionate art collector in Africa.”It was really sad for us to hear of his demise last month (October 15, 1939-Sept 23, 2016).”

According to the host, the exhibition was chaired by Mr. Lanre Adesuyi, while the Special Guests of Honour include: Mr. Tunde Imoyo, Mr. Oladele Olagbaju and Mr. Dennis Akenuwa.

“Guests saw at the exhibition aesthetic artworks from notable artists including himself, and Kolade Oshinowo,  Idowu Sonaya, Biodun Badmus, Animu Oborien, Omoligho Udenta and Mr. Demola, among many others, Dotun added.”

Also speaking, the treasurer of the association, Mr. Idowu Sonaya, emphasised that they came up with the theme, “Perspective of Change” and expected everybody to come up with their ideas. “We all know what change means to Nigerians, we did not want to box anybody into that. That is why we asked them to come with their personal expressions or views of what change is to them. From the works we will exhibit, viewers will see a lot of expressions from us in that area. So expect so much from us. We are inviting the general public to come. I am assuring them that they will like what they will see and we will enjoy patronage from the public.”

In his view, member of the exhibition committee, Mr. Biodun Badmus said he was not basing his change to the national situation, but also to international level. “My work has to do with change and I am also trying to bring out the political change that affects the whole world. Talk about terrorism, how can we conquer and stop terrorism in the whole world? My work is kinetic in nature and I believe it is going to be so unique when people see it.”

The exhibition opened at 4 pm on October 29, 2018 and from 10 am to 6 pm from October 30^th to November 4, 2016.