For founder, Gallery 2305 Lagos, Nosa Charles Ojo, it is expedient to interrogate and explore indigenous art, as it unlocks different shades of meaning to those who engage them.
Speaking at his recent show, titled, The King’s Passage, held in Lekki Lagos, he disclosed the theme recognises that indigenous art is made up of diverse genres and holds different meanings for all; including, ‘the kings’, who made them, the communities where they were made, outsiders who collected the works and the viewers who learn and experience the African passage in passing generations.
He disclosed the exhibition was held within seven days and divided into two parts: There was a private viewing on November 24 for art collectors, enthusiasts and high networth guests termed an evening of Art, Champagne, Wine and Nibbles and official opening on November 25 to December 1.
To him, “we had about 40 art pieces on show, ranging from masterful crafts in large canvases to miniatures in oil, acrylic, water colours and charcoal. There were also some intricate metal sculptures and wood etchings. Ten artists were previewed, from masters to emerging artists.”
He said there is need to keep working and telling stories for generations to come. “Their works will always outlive them, as we’ve seen with great artists like Ben Enwonwu, David Dale, Ben Osaghea and others.”
A consummate professional with career spanning over three decades in different categories of media and marketing communications majorly in Out of Home Advertising, Nosa’s romance with the arts began from his days as a young vibrant cartoonist at The Punch, Prime People.
His first degree in graphic design communication and has since gone on to lead marketing communications and advertising companies like CreativeEDGE and Prodigy Advertising.
With countless individual and corporate meritorious awards, Nosa, a Fellow of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria and an Associate of the Society of Nigerian Artists, he has, in a few years, become a purist voice for indigenous art campaign in Nigeria, where he’s become a trusted art collector.
Nosa has been a guest to prominent international exhibitions, art fairs, shows and auctions at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, les Galeries Bartoux and Art Basel in London, Paris, Miami and Toronto.
