DURING the three days of the third edition of ArtMiabo International Art Festival AMIAF, the results of sales showed that most of the exhibited artists enjoyed big patronage.
Curated by Yusuf Durodola, the 2024 edition of AMIAF, held from April 29-May 1, at its regular venue, EbonyLife Centre Victoria Island, Lagos, showed over 40 pieces of sculptures, across medium. The Miabo Enyadike-led yearly festival also included The Art Economy forum, among other sub-events.
The big sales of the event, among others included Pius Waritimi’s Fisherman’s Parlour, which Enyadike disclosed “has found a new home,” at the close of the event. Also bought was Ojelade Abdlquadr’s Scrap Metal Artwork Kike Oluburo as Enyadike described the success as Abdlquadr’s own “Odyssey as a Sculptor.” Another metal by Abu Momogima titled ‘MAESTRO WRAP UP’, mounted at the reception of the venue also got appreciated in big sales. “Abu was introduced to the collectors and had the privilege of installing it in their home himself and he did a brilliant job of educating them on the inspiration behind this masterpiece,” Enyadike disclosed.
More of interest, from the emerging artists came Odushe Ifeoluwa Daniel whose work also found a buyer. He had entry into the exhibition as one of the AMIAF Slots, a dedicated section for emerging and young artists. From the same AMIAF Slot section, another emerging artist, Blessing Proven, so sold a sculpture titled Bull-ish. Among others sold pieces, a few days after the exhibition was Akim Dipeolu’s ‘Readiness’. Ahead of the exhibition, AMIAF announced Ojegoke Pelumi, Azeez Kausarat, Blessing Proven, and Ifeoluwa Odushe for AMIAF Slot 2024.
Moderated by Art and Media Advisor, Tajudeen Sowole, the panelists of The Aet Economy talk engaged in areas such as the history of art sales in Nigeria, marketing, and presentation. The panelists included prominent art collector, Prince Shyllon who gave a background of the topic to the the forum with his rich knowledge of the global art economy. Other discussants included Emeka Enyadike who provided tips for artists and art promoters on the method and approach of attracting corporate sponsors for art exhibitions; curator, Matthew Oyedele shared his experience and challenges of managing artists and exhibitions; and artist, Dotun Popoola narrated his hard-fought journey to successes, there was no rules in art economy that couldn’t be broken.
During the opening, founder of AMIAF, Enyadike hosted VIPs such as the Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa who was represented by a powerful delegation from different Federal Government agencies. The delegation included CEO, National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele; Director-General, National Commission for Museums Monuments (NCMM), Mr Olugbile Holloway; and a director from National Gallery of Art (NGA) Mr Mufu Onifade duly represented the Minister.
The event came to a close after master printmaker, Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and renowned textile artist, Mrs. Nike Davies Okundaye handed the AMIAF Awards to the recipients. “We are truly honored, with the presence of Prof Onobrakpeya at this year’s AMIAF,” Enyadike announced, receiving the 93-year-,old master printmaker. The four awardees of AMIAF Sculptors Odyssey at the night included representative of Oliver Enwonwu who received the award on behalf of the late modernist, Ben Enwonwu; as well as other recipients Waritimi, Dr. Adeola Balogun, Dr. Dotun Popoola, and Adebisi Adebayo.
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