By Evelyn Osagie
The yearly art exhibition tagged October Rain, organised by the Lagos State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), featuring 60 artists based in Nigeria and abroad, will hold between October 3 and 10 at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.
This year’s edition is dedicated to the celebration of the revered Nike Okundaye, the resilience of spirits of artists amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as health workers who are on the frontline, according to the organisers.
SNA Lagos State Chairman Mr. Idowu Sonaya said: “The exhibition is dedicated to the celebration of Nike Okundaye, an accomplished giant in contemporary Nigerian art. The theme, Resilience, is also in recognition of the struggles of Nigerian visual artists and in commendation of their abilities to sustain the tempo of art practice while giving credence to a befitting image that Nigerian Art now enjoys globally.
“We also acknowledge and appreciate the resilience of the medical workers, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak. We also celebrate you using the 2020 October Rain exhibition. It is also significant to the celebration of Nigeria’s 60th anniversary in October.”
The show, according to SNA October Rain Exhibition Planning Committee, Chairman, Nkang Ini Dan, is organised in compliance with COVID-19 regulations, adding that viewing of works is by appointment.
“The choice to celebrate Chief Okundaye was delibrate. We are also not forgetting the relentless effort of our medical workers in Nigeria and around the world, as well as other aid workers, who have been resilient enough to keep us safe from COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases.
“Entry is free but we urge the public to call us. SNA Lagos had commenced preparation for this year’s before the pandemic incursion into the country in March 2020. We are glad to announce to you that our preparations were not in vain, as we will be opening the exhibition on the October 3 at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. Collectors and art dealers would find this year’s offerings very interesting as it is featuring works by both notable artists,. I implore the general public to follow up on this exhibition through our Social Media platforms, they are, Instagram: snalagos, Facebook: snalagos,” Dan said.
The exhibition will feature works by members of the association, including Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Abiodun Olaku, Nike Okundaye, Duke Asidere, Edosa Oguigo, Muri Adejimi, Sam Ebohon, Odogwu Fidelis, Idowu Sonaya, Bunmi Babatunde, Bunmi Lasaki, Adeola Balogun, Bolaji Ogunwo, Dotun Popoola, Dotun Alabi, Sam Ovraiti, Steve Ekpenisi, Norbert Okpu, Ato Arinze, Djakou Kassi Natalie, Taye Osaze and Nosa Iyobhebhe.
