Becoming More: A Celebration of Creativity, Inspiration and Hard-work

200 Level Visual Arts students of the Department of Creative Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently held a captivating art exhibition at the MAD House, UNILAG.

The venue buzzed with excitement as the students transformed the space into a vibrant gallery, showcasing their incredible talents.

Themed, Becoming More, the exhibition featured over sixty (60) works of art ranging from stunning paintings and intricate sculptures to vibrant textile designs, ceramics, innovative installations and captivating digital art.

The goal, as disclosed by the curator who is also a lecturer in the Department of Creative Arts, Dr Bolaji Ogunwo, was to shine a spotlight on the potential of the visual arts students as emerging artists. Noting that “there is more”, he charged the young artists to always try to do things differently as there are limitless possibilities to explore that will set them apart from the crowd.

Similarly, Dr. Ogunwo commended the artists, asserting that from the quality of their works on display it was evident that they are proficient in their practice.

Art enthusiasts, fellow students, and proud parents gathered to admire a diverse collection of artworks. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to meet the artists and hear the inspiration behind their work and the creative processes. Each piece told a unique story, reflecting the deep thoughts, hard work and creativity of the young artists.

It is worthy of note that several of the art works depicted the African essence through the infusion of African fabrics, African identities, and African culture. These can be seen in the works titled: “Ako, The Pride of an African Woman” by George Ifeoluwa Folakemi; “Idanimo” by Tai-Ojuolape Mary; “Oju Lo Ge” by Omotosho Michael O.; “African Wear” by Ezike Adaeze Virginia, to mention a few.

Also worthy of note is the strong developmental, moral and spiritual identity that some of the art works portray. They poke the observer to reflect and enlighten the minds of deep thinkers. Some of such art work are: “Identity” by Panugo Otosede Edith; “In Signia” by Odufuye Toheeb; “A Dream Child” by Akeke Gbenga Daniel; “The Art of Becoming” by Kaka Mariam; “Stretch Don’t Fold!” by Jolaoso Ajibola; “Father-hood” by Dan-Akinna Kenneth Emmanuel; “Growth of Life” by Ogundipe Samuel Idowu; “Resilience” by Martins Elizabeth Taiwo; “Choice” by Oguntomi Ayomide; “Light unto My Path” by Adebola David-Okesola; “Phases” by Adebusoye Kehinde Omolade; “Old as Time” by Koledoye Stephen Adetola; “Daily Bread” by Ekemezie Victor Ikenna; “Pack of Emotions” by Lawal Oluwadamilola Ayomikun; “United in Hope” by Iduma Loveth Ogechi Yair; “Loving Me” by Alawiye Yesirah Temilade; “Shade of Unity” by Banjoko Moremi Feyikemi and others.

What is a gathering without some representation of the woman empowerment cause? The talented artists delivered in this regard as well, by displaying artworks that celebrated womanhood, the beauty, complexity, and possibilities. Artworks such as: “Woman” by Lawal Moyege; “Educate ‘D’ Girl” by Obidi Elaine Ngozichukwu; “Aphrodite” by Ameche Chinemerem; “Black Beauty” by Bodukale Olujoke Mary; “More than I Am” by Mariam Arashi, and several other artworks celebrated women from different perspectives.

Ultimately, the opening of Becoming More art exhibition on Thursday, July 11, 2024 was a resounding success. It was declared open by the Head, Department of Creative Arts, Professor Stephen Olusoji. The exhibition left guests excited and in awe of the talent within the visual arts program of the University of Lagos.

Art collectors, enthusiasts and aspiring artists are specially invited to visit the exhibition to witness and purchase the vibrant pieces of artworks to encourage young artists in Becoming More. The exhibition will remain open till Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the MAD House, by the UNILAG Lagoon Front.

Here is a complete list of visual arts students whose works are on display: