‘Benin art market still evolving'

 

‘Benin art market still evolving'

 

By Ozolua Uhakheme

Assistant Editor (Arts)

 

Benin-based fine artist Blessing Odigie has said despite its famous bronze works that scattered across museums and galleries in Europe and America, Benin art market is still evolving, unlike Lagos. She stated that notwithstanding, there are strong indications the art market is picking up considering the recent developments recorded in sector. She observed that in no distant time, Benin art market will be at par with those of cities like Lagos and Abuja.

"It's not really there yet, but we are getting there soon. There are abundant of talents from different Arts Schools in Edo and Delta states who are making waves in the country and across the globe. So, all we need is adequate infrastructure, the enabling environment and some level of supports from both government and artists community," she said. 

Odigie who participated in the recent Benin Art Fair organised by Thought Pyramid in Benin City, however noted that unlike Lagos, not very many people in Benin are exposed to contemporary art business apart from bronze sculptures. She observed that some see art as photograph that you buy and hang somewhere, adding that very few know the real value of paintings. "So, I think they need to be more exposed to art appreciation and business...

Some Benin people only know the bronze works at Igun Street.  They don't know other forms of art. Some don't even know that there is textile art. They don't know painting could be art. The only thing they know is bronze casting." she noted. Odigie who is also a makeup artist, specialises in landscape painting said she was attracted to landscape painting because she grew up around nature. "So, I started to exhibit what I saw on a daily basis while growing up as a child. Yes, that's it," she hinted, but sets her eyes on big art shows across the globe to showcase her talents.

"Actually, I've always wanted to feature in big shows and maybe one day, I might be exhibiting in Art X or somewhere around the world. So, let me start from somewhere. 

Though I'm exhibiting at the maiden Benin Art Fair and showing two paintings, but I have been to other art shows,  like Art X Lagos and other exhibitions in Abuja and Ghana," she said. Her two paintings are addressing issues of environment and love for nature. They portray the fact that nature is alive and art is life.

On how to grow the art business in Benin, she said: "Government and artists community should invest in promoting art through social media.  I think we can start from there because a lot of people don't really know what's going on in the art world today."

To her, the Benin Art Fair is like Art X to Benin people and must be supported to grow. "My expectation is, through increase awareness, the people will get to know more about art than before. The turnout at the fair has not been bad, but subsequently we will get there. For now, I hope people get to know more about art and the more they come, the more they know. I hope it goes well. 

"I believe if the art business gets the support of the state government, it will do better. There's a high level of ignorance when it comes to art appreciation and business in the state. So, when the awareness is high, the business will thrive."

Odigie a graduate of engineering from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, disclosed that if she had not taken to art, she would have opted to be a nurse. 

"I would have been in the medical field. Yes, because I've always seen myself to be a nurse. I just have this nurturing spirit. I like to take care of the people who can't take care of themselves and nurse the wounded," she noted.