An art collector, Mr Yemisi Shylon, has advised Nigerian artists to focus more on immortalising their works rather than monetary gains from the sales of such works.
He gave the advice in Lagos on Saturday at the opening of an art exhibition in honour of veteran artist Kolade Oshinowo, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Yaba College of Technology.
The theme of the two-week exhibition was : ” A Tribute to Kolade Oshinowo at 70 – Art Exhibition of Works of Academic Staff of the School”.
Shylon urged artists to think more of posterity by emulating famous Italian painter, Michelangelo, whose works in the 16th century were still reckoned with all over the world till today.
He also urged artists to attend art exhibitions frequently for exposure to new innovations in contemporary and modern arts that could help them in their works.
The art collector tasked the artists to research and read widely in all fields of study so as to generate new ideas for their works.
“I will advise artists to stop focusing mainly on the sales of their works, but think of posterity and immortalising such works for future reference.
“Artists should attend art exhibitions frequently to keep themselves abreast of new innovations in the art world.
“As artists you should read wide and research well into all fields of study so that you can draw inspiration, because out of reading comes ideas.
“Also, encourage the discussion of the environment and societal development in your works to correct societal ills, ” Shylon said.
A former Nigerian ambassador to the Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, Mr Benedict Amobi, who declared the art exhibition open, urged artists to emulate great virtues as exhibited by Kolade Oshinowo.
He said that Nigerian artists would achieve greatly if they could be hardworking and consistent like Oshinowo.
According to him, Oshinowo’s art works helped redeemed Nigerian image in the Nordic countries during in his ambassadorial duties.
“Works of Oshinowo helped me to be able to promote Nigerian art works when I was in active service.
“Citizens of these countries where I served had negative perception of Nigerians until they began to see works of Oshinowo and some others.
“His works had in-depth meaning, very creative and portrays societal happenings. These are good qualities of good art pieces,” said the former envoy.
He advised artists to emulate Oshinowo’s qualities in order to take Nigerian arts to the next level.
52 art works of lecturers of Yaba College of Technology and Kolade Oshinowo were also exhibited.
