Arts is beyond

Arts is beyond the regulars'
By ozolua Uhakheme
Five years ago, she was the only female art student in a graduating class of nine from the University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. Today, Victoria Udondian, a full time studio artist is among young Nigerian artists with eyes on the future. Udondian, who emerged the best overall graduate in painting in her set and second best in the department, strongly believes that visual art unlike in the past has gone beyond the regular.

She said remaining in tune with the emerging trends in the global art market is vital and unavoidable for any serious artist who wants to be relevant and fulfilled in his profession. "Art has gone beyond the regular to performance art like installation or conceptual art. As a member of the global village, we must as a creative artist catch up with the rest of the world, especially in the new trends of art production," she added.

She observed that the Nigerian art scene is getting more vibrant with the hosting of art auctions, art fairs and summit compared to the past. This, she noted, has also impacted positively on the value of art and the artists in the economy. But she described her post-school experience these past five years as very interesting and challenging. She noted that despite the challenges, she was able to execute some commissioned works that paid her bills.

The national publicity secretary of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) has since leaving art school been experimenting and exploring materials and techniques. Oil according to her, is one medium she loves most notwithstanding her desire to explore or experiment. She disclosed that already she has started preparing for her maiden solo art exhibition coming up later this year in Lagos.

Udondian has participated in group exhibitions and workshops like the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FAAN) organized exhibition in Lokoja in March, group exhibition held under the Catalyst Women Arts and Science, in UK, the Aftershave workshop in Pankshin Plateau State last November.