Dancemetalphor hits Lagos

It is called Ajorin; metalphor, an assemblage of five metal sculptors who have created some of the best artworks in visual art scene in Nigeria. They have their debut exhibition at the moment at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Lagos, writes Edozie Udeze

 

THOUGHT Pyramid Art Centre, Lagos, has always been a pacesetter in the visual art sector in Nigeria.  For many years now, the centre has been involved in special art programmes and events that are usually different from others.  It is a way to ensure that visual artists across board have enough opportunities to be heard and celebrated.  For this, and more, it has come to be associated with artists that bring glory and accolade to the visual and contemporary art scene in Nigeria and beyond.

At the moment, the centre is involved in what is termed Ajorin; Dancemetalphor.  Ajorin is an exclusive exhibition showcasing 20 aesthetically pleasing and sound metal sculptors.  About five outstanding, thought-provoking Nigeria metal sculptors are participating.  Each artist is totally committed, professional to the core and ever eager to take the metal work to its enviable level.

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Indeed, Ajorin; dancemetalphor is the first of its kind in Nigeria, another plus for Thought Pyramid.  This exhibition, as elaborate as it is, also has window for VIP viewing at N10,000 and general viewing at N1,000.

The exhibition which opened today will last till December 6th.  It involves Adeola Balogun, Fidelis Odogwu, Steve Ekpenisi, Abinona Akporode Collins and Dotun Popoola.  Popoola is known essentially for his unique synergetic metal sculptures.  He has inadvertently carved a niche for himself as he usually creates monumental metal sculptures by turning trashes into treasures, rubbish to rubbles.

On the other hand, Akporode has been using spoons and cutlery to effect his works.  These, he gives class and tend to make them stick.  For the past eight years he has proved his mettle in this medium, thus, he also distinguished himself from the rest.

Ekpenisi calls himself a welder.  Yes because he gathers discarded metals and fine tune them into the best artwork ever.  A graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, when he handles metals, they obey; they simply conform.  This is why his workshop has turned into a big shrine of sorts, a shrine of metal works of all shapes and sizes.

Odogwu is a master metal worker, imbuing the sculptures with professional aplomb.  At his feet, many younger metal artists have come to learn the trade.  He is meticulous, he is audacious and resilient.  There is hardly any form of figure or image he cannot command a metal to yield to.  Odogwu simply breathes, eats and experiment with metals day-in-day-out.

Balogun based in Ota, Ogun State combines studio practice with an academic career at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.  He specialized in sculpture and has been consistent with it since 1994 when he graduated.  Today he ensures he has not lost touch with it.

In the main, the inspiration for Ajorin; Dancemetalphor is like a musical allegory that should not be seen as a reaction.  The centre actually helps to interpret sounds from the sparkles, iron clanging and electron burning processes heard when a typical metal artist is at work.  It shows that the calming musical ambience from metal art creation generates rhythmic melody if you dare listen very carefully.

So, this rare and colourful show is to enable the public show more concern and understanding about the place of metal works in our society.  According to Thought Pyramid management, these five artists will always remain disciples of this genre of sculpting in Nigeria.  In the same way, it is using the opportunity to thank the sponsors of the programme – Elegance Gallery, Nigeria Machine Tools and V.Bank for sharing this laudable vision with them.

In other words, it is good to also encourage more younger artists to show interest in the metal sculpting business.  The curator of the exhibition believes that if given the proper push, the younger ones may not see this as degrading or mundane.  This is why also that Ajorin, Dancemetalphor will remain an initiative that will sustain loyalty, while also guiding, guarding and propelling the next generation of metal artists.