NAN-ELS-2
Paints
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, Feb.18, 2018 (NAN) To encourage young artists to embrace painting as a profession, the Federal Government should invest in companies that would manufacture paints for artists.
Dr Adekunle Adeyemi of the Yaba College of Technology said this would make paints use by artists affordable,and increase the production of artworks.
Adeyemi, Dean, School of Arts, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, that such paints include: aquarelle, acrylic, oil, ink and gouache.
“These paints are very expensive because they are currently being imported into Nigeria.
“As a result, most students in tertiary institutions studying arts-related courses cannot afford them while some have had to improvise.’’
He said that the continuous importation of paints meant for artists’ would constantly drain the nation’s foreign exchange, which would have adverse effects on the economy.
He said, “Most of the raw materials that can be used to manufacture these paints are available in the country.
“They should be harnessed for mass production of the paints,’’ he said.
He also advised the Federal Government to call on research institutes to look into what it would take the nation to start producing these paints.
According to him, industries that produce building paints can also look into manufacturing paints to be used for artworks.
“With this, Nigeria can even begin to export these paints for sale; this will be a money spinner for the nation.
“We want the Federal Government to consult with research institutes to look out for materials to be used for the mass production of these paints.
“Manufacturers of building paints can be consulted to mass produce paints for artists in the country.
“Practising and academic artists wish to give visual arts its pride of place in the comity of professionals.
“If that must be done, we must ensure that all hindrances experienced by lovers of arts are dealt with,’’ Adeyemi said.(NAN)
PTB/VIV/PAD
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Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Peter Dada