A member of the Anderson Artists Guild, USA, Nigerian-born Nduka F. Onyia, has led other five artists to project Nigeria’s image globally through their artistic skills and innovations in an arts exhibition titled ‘Common Front’.
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The other artists are Bimbo Adenugba, Moses Oghagbon, Dudu Emannuel, Olayinka Kasali and Folami Razaq.

At an exhibition currently running from September 6, 2024 to October 4, 2024, the six distinguished artists revealed that the need to bring Nigeria’s glory to the fore, and project the impacts of African Arts globally, as well as provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among artists are some of the motives behind the exhibition.

Speaking on the well attended arts exhibition, Nduka F. Onyia, who is currently a member of the Anderson Art Center, Anderson South Carolina, United States, revealed the need to work in unison and let the whole world know that Nigeria is blessed artistically and that they can be on par with their counterparts anywhere in the world and still be noticeable and recognised is one of the missions for the exhibition.

“We are not just coming out, we were out during the COVID-19 and the outcome of the arts exhibition was what inspired us to come out again this year, 2024.

“Yes, the whole world was in turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we were undaunted in making a difference that has positive impacts on the larger communities.

“In line with African value systems, we believe in unity, we thrive in collaboration and we enjoy showcasing the positive cultural values of our forefathers. Here we are again.”
One of Nduka’s works is titled ‘The Depth of Solitude’, (Copper foil) 18×36 inches.
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Bimbo Adenugba mirrored trade or commercial inclinations with his work titled ‘Market Hub’, it’s an acrylic on canvas.
To Bimbo, it’s not just about Nigerian colours alone, it’s about the global connection.

“We want to make a name, projects the need to explore African Arts. Tap into it and see both the hidden and existing talents and also paint a new narrative for Nigeria.”

To Moses Eboigbodin Oghagbon, ‘Passion’ is the title of his work which is an oil on canvas.
“Yes, there is passion in what we do. There is a need for excellence. This is why we are painting the picture of excellence abroad,” Moses enthused.

Believing that canvas provides a flexible surface which is good for transportation and storage, Dudu Emmanuel came out with a work titled, ‘Mother of Two’, an oil on canvas measuring ’47×23′ inches.” This is about motherhood and nurturing. It’s also about fertility and abundance. In Yorubaland, the mother of twins symbolises strength, while her twins showcase duality and unity. We are here showcasing our works because we all believe in unity,” Dudu affirmed.

Folami Razaq, a Curator per excellence and African culture promoter who knows the importance of the masquerades, mostly in the areas of spiritual connection, reverence, preservation of Yoruba historical identities, and conveying messages between the living and the dead, titled his work ‘Onídán’, (Masquerades series) which is size: 48” x 24” inches in acrylic on canvas medium.

To him , it is about retelling significant African stories in an educative artistic manner.
“We are painting a new narrative for Nigeria, our beloved Motherland. We are showcasing our cultural heritage and survival to the larger community. I am sure one would want to know the meaning of Egungun or Masquerades, the significant and spiritual connotations. This exhibition is a collective gathering which is an avenue to promote African Arts globally and positively.”

Using wood dust to create intricate designs and textures , Olayinka Kasali’s work is titled ‘Glorious waves” it measures 42″× 28″× 11″.

According to him, “I used wood dust and resin in this particular one in order to harness the creative potentials abounding as well as minimising risks and environmental effects. I plan to do more exhibitions in the future with this group. We are out to beautiful the world and also to reduce waste while focusing on sustainability’.

Oladotun Aloba, an artist who graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nzukka and currently works with an educational organisation in Pennsylvania, USA, visited the exhibition venue and opened up that she was amazed at the large turnout of the visitors.
“The works are beautiful as well as telling stories. It’s about a cultural rebirth. It’s about exposure. It’s about golden landmarks.
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“Here are gentlemen eager to promote African arts here in America. And when you talk about America, you are talking about the whole world. These are the real talents embedded in golden attire. I am greatly inspired and there is no gainsaying that others visiting here or reading about them will be proud of their inner talents transforming into raising the bars for the emerging artists, but also showing a golden light on Nigeria’s thriving arts community.”

The exhibition continues till the October 6, 2024 at the Anderson Art centre in the United States, where Erin Spainhour and Tracy Weiss are curators respectively.

Basking in the euphoria that the art exhibition stated well with great hopes it will end well, four of the artists live in the U.S. and two in Nigeria, there is no argument that they are the Artistic Ambassadors of Nigeria.
It’s indeed a ‘Common Front’ as the name of the arts exhibition stated.
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