Lovers Art Exhibition celebrate love

By Damiete Braide

The National Gallery of Arts in Lagos came alive with vibrant colours, emotions and creativity as it hosted the first edition of the Lovers Art Exhibition, an event dedicated to celebrating love through artistic expression at Aina Onabolu’s Building, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.  The Lovers Art Exhibition runs till February 28, 2025.

Curated by Dr. Celestine Agoziem, the exhibition was strategically held on Valentine’s Day, a global occasion that symbolises love and affection. The theme of the exhibition, Lovers Art Day, was conceived to highlight the essence of genuine love and encourage Nigerians to embrace unity and harmony, especially during challenging times.

Agoziem emphasised the critical need for love and unity in Nigeria, particularly in the face of economic pressures. “There is no better time for this exhibition than now,” he remarked. “Love fosters unity, and unity strengthens a nation. Through art, we aim to spread this message and inspire people to imbibe the spirit of true love.” He further noted that each of the 60 artworks on display, created by 20 talented artists, revolved around the theme of love, interpreting it in diverse and thought-provoking ways.

The Lovers Art Exhibition was not just about aesthetics; it was a platform for dialogue, reflection, and appreciation of the role of love in society. Visitors were encouraged to immerse themselves in the artworks, decoding the messages conveyed by the artists. Love, as portrayed in the exhibition, was not just romantic, it encompassed themes of unity, family bonds, self-love, and national cohesion.

One of the participating artists, Agbakiaka Sherifdeen, a textile designer and mixed media artist, showcased two thought-provoking works: Kiss My Bride  and The Heart. Explaining his pieces, he said, “Kiss My Bride depicts two lovers uniting in marriage. Their kiss symbolises deep affection and commitment, a moment that wouldn’t be possible without genuine feelings for one another.” His second artwork, The Heart, explored the source of love.

“Before love can be expressed outwardly, it must first reside within. My work features two hearts, one whole and another as its shadow, representing the inner feelings that manifest as love.” Sherideen’s message to Nigerians was clear: to foster love and goodwill toward one another, ensuring no one is abandoned or left out.

Another artist, Raji David Adeteju, contributed three pieces titled Party Time, Blue Face, and Face of a Woman. He described Face of a Woman as an abstract representation of femininity, while Blue Face depicted a beautiful young lady. His chosen medium, fabric and acrylic on canvas, brought texture and depth to his works. Adeteju urged Nigerians to support local artists, emphasising that purchasing artworks not only encourages creativity and sustains the art industry.

Animu Oboirien, the Financial Secretary of the Society of Nigerian Artists, exhibited seven works, including Togetherness, a metal sculpture embodying unity and cooperation. “Without love, there is no unity, and without unity, we cannot achieve progress,” he explained.

Another piece, Benin Chief, celebrated cultural heritage while subtly reinforcing the message of communal identity and strength. Oboirien echoed the sentiment of togetherness, urging Nigerians to work in agreement to build a stronger and more harmonious society.

James Itodo, an exhibition officer and a key member of the organising committee, emphasised that the exhibition aimed to create an atmosphere of love and interaction among attendees.

“When there is love among us, we can accomplish greater things. We hope that, through this exhibition, Nigerians will learn to appreciate and embrace one another,” he stated. He also acknowledged the challenges facing the country and stressed that love is a vital force in overcoming adversity.

Beyond the artworks, the event symbolised a shift in the narrative surrounding the National Gallery of Arts. Dr. Agoziem acknowledged that the exhibition hall had suffered neglect over the years but expressed optimism in the new government’s commitment to revitalising the space.

He praised  Mr Ahmed Sodangi, the new Director General of the National Gallery of Arts, for his vision and pledged to sustain the Lovers Art Exhibition, introducing more innovations in future editions.