The attention, tenacity and inclusion, artists who participated at the ‘Inspired Eves’ exhibition to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2024, given on their artworks revealed the divine craft of a woman.

Words by Ireho Aito

They are abound at the exhibition. Artists drawn by the exemplary curator, Biodun Omolayo, an avant garde artist too. The Nigerian visual art space was fully represented inside the colourful gallery of Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center. Every artist work on display celebrated the virtues, beauty, faces, importance and happiness derive daily and always from the woman.

Tested artists in the art space have revealed so many times, how they have been inspired by the presence, spiritual guidance and soulfulness of women. Likewise, the over 70 artworks presented by the menfolk to commemorate a special day in the lives of women all over the world.

From their titles, the appreciation of women was vivid and well interpreted to the enthusiasts at the event. Checking vivacious styles with charismatic appeal, the men attached a lot of admiration to the women on canvas.

Leading the pack is renowned cartoonist and illustrator, an Octogenarian already, is Josy Ajiboye, a cartoon obelisk. Josy Ajiboye’s has always been at the vanguard of celebrating women in his cartoon series very popular in Nigeria’s foremost newspapers, Daily Times. Times without numbers, the cartoonist, in his illustrations, revel.the woman in so .any interpretations. At ‘Inspired Eves’ exhibition, his ‘Iya Ni Wura’ an oil on canvas, illustrates the precious diamond, a mother could be. Mothers are special. They are divine creatures. They are caring and the reason they say mothercare!

‘Mama Put’ and ‘Pepper Seller’ both paintings done on oil on canvas by the curator of the show, Biodun Omolayo celebrated the industrious nature of women in the society. They resonate the A Can Do Spirit everyday.

Soji Toloye’s mixed media creation was very creative and romantic in ‘Edo Queen’ and ‘The Model’ respectively. One wonders what the world would have been without the queens who are also role models in our lives. Soji Toloye’s mixed media, distinctly expressed how special women are and the need to be honoured.

George Egunjobi gave us ‘Lovers Retreat’ ‘Madam’ and ‘Jalingo’ all done with acrylic on canvas while one of Africa’s most celebrated photographer, Kelechi Amadi Obi observed the woman with acrylic on canvas titled ‘In My Own World’ whuch interpretes some moment of reflections.

Jethro Otobo’s ‘Under the Umbrella’ and ‘Disco (Friday Party) are precious pieces of art that will continue to ricochet in the hearts of the patrons and guests at the ‘Inspired Eves’ exhibition. In fact, Jethro Otobo was able to bring life into every woman. Some of them, the older generation, had nostalgic feelings of Friday parties wayback and how it used to look like. Awesome collections!

Biodun Omolayo, came again with ‘Just The Two of Us’ another acrylic on canvas. The painter recreated romance and brought it to life. What a missing link among younger folks. Career attention and money – chasing culture, are some of the modern day Afropolitan cultures and couples or lovers could barely have those precious time to be together again.

Here is the big question, who brings family togther? Our society knows the roles women play in celebrating unions, birthdays, marriages and burials. They are known for family reunions. Adeshina did justice to this piece done with acrylic on canvas. Adeshina, extols what the symbolic nature of women in bringing everyone together.

Very exhaustive! And we could go on celebrating various works displayed inside Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center gallery. The eves at the event were truly inspired!

In fact, using the artwork of Ankali, a mixed media, it was indeed ‘Celebrations of Royalty’

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