University of Ibadan Don and former Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, has enunciated the continuing relevance of Pop Arts in promoting cultural and socioeconomic exchanges across the regions of Africa and positioning the continent to have more global relevance.
The professor made this call on Thursday during the unveiling of “Twenti Tiri”, a Pop Art exhibition, at the Cornelius Adepegba Museum of Africa Art (CAMAA), Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
Twenti Tiri which was described as a product of the ingenuity of one of Nigeria’s young minds, Animashaun Quazeem, was lauded by Olayinka as showing ‘’dedication’’, ‘’creativity’’ and ‘’commitment’’. Professor Olayinka who chaired the Pop Art exhibition also commended CAMAA of the Institute of African Studies for the key roles it has been playing towards showcasing and promoting African culture and arts through its numerous and prestigious exhibitions.
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According to Professor Olayinka, Pop Art is a creative economy which has transitioned into a formidable movement and redefined the boundaries of artistic expression.
His words: ‘’We come together today to celebrate the vibrant and captivating world of pop Art – a movement that has redefined the boundaries of artistic expression. Pop Art emerged in the mid 20th Century, challenging traditional conventions by embracing popular culture, mass media, and consumerism as subjects and inspirations for artistic creation. It transformed everyday objects, icons and imagery into powerful works of art that captivates our senses and provokes contemplation.
‘’Despite its origins in the western world, pop art has gained global traction and found resonance in various regions, including Africa, where it has been embraced as Afro-pop art. Acclaimed artists such as Yinka Shonibare, Wole Lagunju, and Oluwole Omofemi from Ibadan, Nigeria have notably popularized this artistic movement. Notably Omofemi was commissioned by Tatler Magazine to create a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, believed to be her final painting before her passing in Septemeber 2022.
‘’Furthermore the transformative artistic endeavours of El Anatsul, a Ghanian-Nigerian sculptor from the Nsukka art school, have garnered widespread recognition for his ability to create captivating, large-scale installations using ordinary everyday materials,’’ Professor Olayinka said.
Commending Animashaun’s artistic brilliance, Professor Olayinka reiterates the increasing relevance of the art and creative industry which has been mostly driven by the youth.
‘’As we pay tribute to the extraordinary talent and artistic vision of Quazeem Animashaun today, we should also acknowledge the path he is pursuing alongside other young artists who, through their innovative approaches and cultural commentary, are great shot at reshaping the Nigerian art world. Quazeem work shows dedication, creativity and unwavering commitment,’’ Olayinka said.
Espousing Olayinka, Professor Ohioma Pogoson, curator at CAMMA, said the Academia and the Nigerian government can look in the direction of Pop Art and art generally for investment opportunities. He said, arts, if properly funded could generate a lot of revenue for the government.
