The ceremony chaired by the Chairman of Board of Trustees of the CBCIU, Prince Dr. Olagunsoye Oyinlola was represented by Chief Muraina Oyelami, the Eesa of Iragbiji and a member of the Board of Trustees. Oyinlola in his remarks noted that Osogbo remains one of the early centres of arts with the Osogbo Art School and Mbari Mbayo serving as pioneers.
He said that the commissioning of Genesis Art Gallery was, therefore, a great effort as it helps to continue from where the pioneers stopped.
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU) was a witness to history at the official opening of Genesis Art Gallery Complex, at No. 2 Bolarinwa Street, off Iyana Camp, Ota-Efun, Osogbo, on April 7, 2018. Founded by Mr Adeyinka Fabayo, the gallery opened with exhibition of paintings, wood carvings, print making, aluminium repousse, metal sculpture and furniture of eight Nigerian artists. Themed Risorgimento, the exhibition aimed at repositioning the legacy of Osogbo and African art as part of the contribution to a new
revival spirit that has impacted on the community with credit to the pioneer members of the Osogbo Art School.
Fabayo observed that the current advancement in Osogbo Art, following the emergence of Mbari Mbayo, is a fulfilment of that
beginning towards a future that has become a legacy. According to the Curator, Ellis Oyekola, the maiden exhibition in the
gallery serves as a true reflection of the identity in which the contemporary Nigerian art dwells. "I hope it will be the beginning of
artistic reinvigoration of the State of Osun in particular and Nigeria in general," he said. Executive Director of the CBCIU and Guest Lecturer,
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso praised the founder for mounting the exhibition and showcasing the works of established and
upcoming artists.
Apart from works by Adeyinka Fabayo,seven
other upcoming virtual artistsexhibited
works. They are; Realwan Olarewaju,
Adeleke, P.L Olanipekun, Dotun Popoola, Iyiola
Kazeem, Taiwo Adeyeye and Victor Eguaboi. The
exhibition also featured presentation of
Legendary Awards to Inspiring Art Masters
among whom were Chief Muraina Oyelami, Chief
Jimoh Buraimoh, Chief Dr. Nike Okundaye, Mrs.
Kikelomo Oladapo-Adeleke, Deaconess Bintu
Olaniyi, Chief Adebisi Fabunmi, Mr. Rabiu Adeleke
and Mr. Isaac Ojo Fajana. Prince Oyinlola was also
presented a Distinguished Cultural Icon Award in
recognition of his contribution to the
presentation of African Cultural practices and
expressions.
The Genesis Art Gallery started in 1990 in Ila-
Orangun as a Craft Shop and later relocated to
Osogbo in 1996 and subsequently commissioned
in September 29, 2000, becoming the only Art
Gallery on Station Road, Osogbo. The gallery is a
hub of Paintings, Wood Carvings, Print Making
and Furniture. Today, it is recognized as one of
the major tourist destinations in Osun State and
Nigeria. The exhibition opened on April 7, 2018
and closed on April 16, 2018.
Some dignitaries at the special event included
Oba Adetola Olaniyi Olaonipekun, Emmanuel King
CEO ADRON HOMES, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba
Adedokun Abolarin (Aroyinkeye), the Aragbiji of
Iragbiji, Oba Abdul Rasheed Olabomi, the veteran
entertainment journalist, Mr. Wale Ojo- Lanre, Mr.
Soji Adeniyi of the Nation Newspaper, among
others. The Special Guest of Honour at the
occasion was Dr. Abdullahi Sabo Muku, the
Director- General, National Gallery of Art, Abuja.
Staff of the CBCIU in attendance includes Mr.
David Shaba, Mr. Adetoyese Afolabi, Mr. Gbeola,
Mr. Babatunde Akangbe, Mrs. Kehinde Adebiyi
and Mr. Yusuff Sikiru Abiona.
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