Nigerian artists are putting a good show at the 2017 edition of the Venice Biennale. The Nigerian Pavilion will host the works of some of Nigeria’s most prominent contemporary artists, including painter Victor Ehikhamenor, sculptor Peju Alatise and choreographer Qudus Onikeku. The exhibition, curated by Adenrele Sonariwo and Emmanuel Iduma, will be centered on the theme ‘How About NOW?’ and it opens to the public on May 13, 2017.
Nigeria’s march towards history at the world’s most prestigious and storied contemporary visual art exhibition – Venice Biennale – is gathering momentum as more corporate bodies, private foundations and well-meaning individuals are backing the initiative. Ford Foundation, GCA Energy and Amaya Capital are among the growing list of sponsors with many more organisations indicating interest.
Ike Chioke, a member of the Project Steering Committee for Nigeria in Venice 2017, made the disclosure during a stakeholder forum on Nigeria’s journey to Venice Biennale held in Lagos recently. The event, which was hosted by Arthouse Contemporary Limited, had in attendance Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State and “The Commissioner” for the Nigerian Pavilion in Venice.
“As awareness of Nigeria’s debut participation at the biennale is increasing, so is the level of interest and support from corporates, NGOs and individuals. We are grateful to Ford Foundation, GCA Energy, Amaya Capital and several other corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals for their generous contributions towards the successful execution of the Nigerian pavilion, ” said Chioke.
Venice Art Biennale is a defining platform where nations of the world showcase their art stars and seek to exert some level of socio-cultural influence. The increase in the number of participating countries from 59 (in 1999) to 89 (in 2015) when the last edition was held underbellies the importance of the international art fiesta.
About 30 countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Germany – have permanent pavilions in Venice, and some African nations like Kenya, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Seychelles have been represented at one time or the other.