Folasade Ogunsola, vice chancellor, the University of Lagos (Unilag), has disclosed that the art is part of her vision in transforming the institution’s overall ratings as an academic entity in Nigeria. “The art is part of our vision; it is an expression of who we are,” she said.
Ogunsola made this known during the opening ceremony of the art exhibition organised by the Creative Arts Department of the institution, tagged ‘Exodus: Location & Destination.’ According to her, every renaissance starts with art.
Ogunsola also disclosed that as part of the institution’s ‘Unilag in Town’ project, the school is working on creating learning hubs across the state, and an exhibition spot in Ikoyi where students can showcase their arts and crafts to the business community. “You are an integral part of what we call the future,” she said.
Bolaji Ogunwo, lecturer in the Department of Creative Arts, said Exodus was about the development of the creative art towards changing the mindset of relocation out of Nigeria that is making people, especially the youth think hopelessly about Nigeria.
According to him, the department wants to underscore the subject matter of location and destination, which has become a trend among Nigerians. He further said that mindset and attitude to conquer the world determine an individual’s destination, and not one’s present location.
“We want them to understand location and destination, and that Nigeria is a land of abundance. We have challenges, but Nigeria can be a better place. We need to stay back here and get involved in this nation building. You don’t need to travel to be a global citizen. You can have a brand that is strong and strong enough to go out there with your skills set,” Ogunwo said, adding that talent is the new currency of the world.
Speaking further on the theme, Ogunwo said that the art exhibition also aimed at exposing the students to the business side of the art and how they can leverage it for economic gains. “We’re guiding them and that’s why we are having this process to let them understand the business side of the merchandise and how to run it properly to position themselves, and how to manage their brands effectively for global visibility. And that’s what this curatorial practice is all about.”
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Daberechukwu Agomuo, one of the exhibitors with a painting tagged, ‘decouvrir’ meaning discover in French. said that the painting was trying to pass the message across that people tend to discover themselves in an organised environment.
“My painting tried to show Nigeria and how people are not so much interested in the interior or the aesthetics of their home; how they place different things. They just buy different random things and fit into their homes. But, when they travel to a better place that has more resources, more style; they begin to learn about themselves, what they like and the type of design that they like,” Agomuo said.
