She was very quiet but huge among the artworks on display being the only woman. Funmi Arabambi, mixed media work is indeed a diamond among treasures.

Words by Ireho Aito

The more than 70 works on display at the highly successful exhibition entitled ‘Inspired Eves’ at Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center gallery in Ikoyi, to mark the International Women’s Day 2024, were mainly works from different artists all over Nigeria from different generations and periods.

Intimidating names such as foremost cartoonist, Josy Ajiboye, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Biodun Omolayo, Kelani Abass and others, exploring various medium such as acrylic on canvas, mixed media, oil on canvas, graphite on paper, charcoal and acrylic, all added colour, value, credence to the exhibition and such wonderful evening to celebrate women and life. The artists works were inspired by the theme of the exhibition – ‘Inspired Eves,’ women were mainly focus upon while exploring ideas on canvas and more.

One interesting moment at the prestigious event was, only one woman participated in an exhibition designed to celebrate women.

Funmi Arabambi story is a film – script. A story well crafted for the big events. She was able to carve a niche for her brand at the exhibtion with two oustanding works entiled ‘Whispers from the Soul’ and
‘Promise’ respectively. Both artworks are mixed media works.

The two works reflected the everyday travails of woman when she finds herself in a sober reflection. The woman becomes moody and her world looks like a suspense.

Funmi believes women should be given serious attention as they promote love and warmth to the society.

In her other work, entiled ‘Promise,’ Funmi extols women, who, despite failed promises, soldiers on to become achievers. Funmi Arabambi, claims such moment in life, happens to every woman and it is a world she can relate with, as she has been promised but never fulfilled.

In her response concerning tribulations and patriachy nature affecting women, Funmi encourages women to stand for their rights and admonished men who discourage and bully women in all facet of life to have a rethink and accelerate. They should give women more access to accelerate as this is one virtue very common among women. Women are divers for grace as their beliefs ooze success and freedom, such qualities that have become identity for women, she affirms.

Words/Ireho Aito/ Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!