NAN-ELS-1
Gallery
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, Jan. 30, 2018 (NAN) A visual artist, Josy Ajiboye on Tuesday appealed to the Federal Government to establish art galleries in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ajiboye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that this would give room for constant exhibitions of art works.
Josy Ajiboye is a indigenous artist and cartoonist who worked at the Daily Times of Nigeria newspapers from 1971 to 2000 and his favourite artistic medium was using realism to comment on issues.
He said that the available art galleries were privately owned and there were no opportunities for the up-and- coming artists to showcase their works except the few collections by gallerists.
The artist with over four decades of experience in visual arts and exhibitions said that frequent exhibitions would keep artists on their toes to shun out their best always knowing that there were opportunities to showcase their works.
He said that halls could be constructed within local council areas to be leased out to different artists and artistes for different purposes.
This could always be rotated among visual, fine artists, musicians and others for them to showcase their potential, he said.
Ajiboye said that this would boost both domestic and international tourism as well as rubbing off on artists positively.
The visual artist commended the Federal Government for assisting artists to promote their art works by exhibiting them at the National Gallery of Arts (NGA).
He said this had stopped years back due to lack of funds.
Ajiboye said that many artists were at present finding it difficult to exhibit their works because of the cost of running a gallery.
“Many artists are talented; produce beautiful pieces of art works but they lack the wherewithal to showcase them due to financial constraint.
“If government can provide places and funds to organise exhibition, they will be contributing to the growth and development of artists.
“Before now during exhibitions, artists were selling their works through the NGA; which would give a higher percentage of the proceeds to the artist while the NGA keeps a little percentage.
“This should be reintroduced to make the art sector more attractive to younger artists.
“I am encouraged by the way most Nigerians are purchasing art pieces nowadays unlike years back when only the white people appreciated and purchased them ,” he said.(NAN)
PTB/DE/PAD
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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Peter Dada)