National Gallery of Art partners YABATECH to showcase lecturers’ artworks

The National Gallery of Art on Thursday collaborated with lecturers of the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, to showcase their artworks.

Our correspondent reports that the exhibition was organised by the National Gallery of Art to mark the Art Fair Lagos event.

Speaking on the benefits of the exhibition, the Director-General, National Gallery of Art, Mr Ebeten Ivara, said the exhibition was a way of documenting the lecturers’ works for posterity.

Ivara said the exhibition was also a recognition of the impact of eminent scholars, adding that the art works would be projected for public viewing and appreciation.

“This programme is a continuation of National Gallery of Art’s efforts in bridging the divide between Town and Gown in visual arts practice in Nigeria.

“There is this misconceived notion that art teachers especially at the tertiary level are basically concerned with theories and publications to further the advancement of their career.

“That they are insulated as it were from the humdrum of studio practice. This, I declare is a very wrong notion.

“National Gallery of Art can confirm that art scholars not only teach but are involved in active studio practice with many exhibiting on a regular basis both within and outside the country.

“In our collaboration with art schools across the country, Natuonal Gallery of Art has been surprised at the productivity of lecturers and the students beyond imagination,” he said.

Ivara further commended the works of the lecturers which he described as fascinating when displayed during a collaboration with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and the University of Jos.

“We are here today in continuation of our collaborative efforts with art schools in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that your esteemed art school predates Nigeria’s independence.

“Undoubtedly the event will more than ever before showcase to the Nigerian public the untiring efforts of the lecturers in keeping cherished tradition of turning out generation of skilled art graduates doing the nation proud both in the country and beyond,” he said.

The Rector, YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, commended the lecturers of the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology, saying that their phenomenon of apprenticeship is enviable.

The rector, who was represented by the Deputy Rector, Academic, Dr Ismail Badmus, said the act would mentor those coming behind to maintain professionalism.

“I must applaud and thank the management of the National Gallery of Art for consistently, over many years, carrying the academia along in the quest to keep the issues of the Nigerian visual arts sector on the front burner.

“I am grateful for the opportunity of today’s programme, Art Fair Lagos will afford both the college community and the visitors around us to experience the vibrant art expressions of the lecturers of this great institution,” he said.

Chief Adebanjo Fasuyi, Fellow, Society of Nigerian Artists and a former Art Adviser, commended the National Gallery of Art for living up to its mandate, while he called for the establishment of art galleries across the federation.

“In many ways, National Gallery of Art has lived up to its mandate as the chief promoter of Nigerian visual arts, especially through its promotion of Nigerian artists, both young and old.

“National Gallery of Art has done this, through the organisation of well packaged exhibitions and the production of high-quality publications.

“It has also over the years, partnered with several higher institutions across the country, in a bid ro take the visual arts sub-sector to greater heights.

“I am, therefore, particularly happy that today, the train of progress has berthed at the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology, Yabatech.

“Today’s event is special as it showcases the works of the artists who double as lecturers and key drivers of the school’s ability to impart artistic knowledge on younger generations,” he said.

The Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Kunle Filani of Visual Arts and Aesthetics, African American University, Porto Nova, said the event was a symbol of great standard.

He said showcasing the art works is a reminder of the spirit of hard work and outstanding contribution to scholarship and practice of modern art in Nigeria by lecturers from the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology.

“I congratulate the students witnessing this great event. This exhibits the dynamic efforts of the lecturers here and those in diaspora.

“This exhibition is small but rich. it is my hope that as the students of this institution see the works of their lecturers on display, they will further be spurred on to greater artistic exploits,” he said.