In a just concluded salon show in Lagos, members of Golan Heights Renaissance returned with an art exhibition of 45 paintings, sculptures and mixed media to make their first public appearance. Udemma Chukwuma who was at the opening writes "IF the Impart of the Auchi Art School in Nigeria’s Art Scene, rings a bell, it’s because it was the gathering of the members of The Golan Heights Renaissance, in their maiden salon show, which took place at the Koncept Autocentre in Lagos."

As for the show, the work of arts of various media on view were a sort of meditation for both the artists and the viewers; settling and authoritative.

Among the works exhibited was a piece by Azuka Nnabuogor, titled Man of Means and His Flower. The painting of mixed media depicts a man with a red rose in his hand, a bola hat and a sunshade. Explaining the work and the message behind it, the artist said: “It’s about a young and very rich man; despite his wealth and influence, he is unable to find true love,” thus the rose in his hand is kept for his yet to be found lover.

Fascination with colours and its mastery has been the hallmark of Nnabuogor’s works. The notion of life as beautiful, inspires his norms and renditions, with incredible ability to invoke emotions of affection and empathy. His free spirit and non-conformist approach see him play with acrylic, textures offcuts of old canvas work recycled as collage.

Nwakaego, acrylic on canvas painting by Nnabuogor portrays a young lady with piercing eyes and seductive look; adorned with bead earrings and bead necklace. What is fascinating about the portrait is its composition, the neck of the subject slanted a bit towards the left like someone expecting praises.

It’s hard to stop admiring the metal works of David Abdul-Jabba, Francis Denedo and Tony Ebvodaghe. You could tell that they poured out their souls on the works.

Denedo’s works deal with forms and shapes. Among the five pieces of his works on view was The Herald; a metal construction depicting an Igbo town man blowing the traditional horn. “In the old times, the use of drums and horns were common in telegraphing messages from village to village, making announcements about coming events or deciphering what the oracle has for the community.

He called his style of art an exaggerated form, which shows the strength with, which the message is passed across. “My works are basically on forms. I enjoy human anatomy hence I do mostly nudes and semi-nudes,” said the artist.

His other work, a bonded stone, titled Mercy, celebrates the calmness of the African Woman, said Denedo. “I exaggerated the body of the subject in order to catch the attention of the spectator. I used the bonded stone material for its production though the work is patinated just so it could stand the test of time.”

Abdul-Jabba designs exquisite metal sculptures of objects from nature. All kinds of metal are in construction, with obvious rivets and articulated body parts. The life-like details show the artist’s love for metal.

He creates freestanding objects and wall sculptures, depicting objects – such as caw skull, mother and child, mask, as well as organic abstract designs. The artist specializes in the repose technique, which involves hammering a sheet of metal from both sides to create a texture or low relief.

He sees his works as spiritual pieces which is why it is difficult for the artist to let his works go because he is attached to them. “My artworks are spiritual, art is my passion and wrought metal design and fabrication is my business.”

While Ebvodaghe’s works are achieved through experimentation. “I have experimented using almost all the sculptural medium and I have almost perfected their use.” This is glaring in the works that he exhibited.

Angela Isiuwe, creates her paintings, which are usually monochrome, in minimalist renditions, using different media such as watercolour, oil and acrylic paints. She interprets her subjects in swift essential but concise line and forms; creating three dimensionalities with balance and depth.

Ogbemi Heymann works focused on figurative approach and political symbolism, preferring to express himself with abstract paintings. His art is filled with coded messages, which are directed to the political class. One of his works on display, titled Oga, shows an ape, sitting comfortably with a banana in its hand.

The show was put together for the artists and collectors to meet in a quiet serene environment to discuss their art and motives.

For three years the group operated privately. Last week they introduced it to the public with a salon show themed the Impart of the Auchi Art School in Nigeria’s Art Scene. “We came together to bring back what our forebears stated. The group is a collision of fine artists who are seasoned in the field of painting, sculpture and mixed media, using contemporary materials to express ourselves.”

The said they intend to continue and build upon the contributions of graduates who gave the school of art and design its name.

“We intend to visit homes of motherless, giving of symposiums for schools, being an advocate for the green vegetable to create a clean and less polluted world, bringing artists together in the art clinics, help with the propagation of peace from the grassroots, especially in the community services.

Emmanuel Isiuwe, Gbenga Olatunji-Aguda and Ademola Akinleye also displayed their paintings in the show.

The Golan Heights Renaissance is a group of artists who graduated from the Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, between 1990 and 1996. The members consist of Godfrey Afebuame, Gbenga Olatunji-Aguda, Tony Ebvodaghe, Emmanuel Isiuwe, Denedo, Angela Isiuwe; Azuka Nnabuogor, Ademola Akinleye, Ogbemi Heymann and David Abdul-Jabba.

Source: The Nation April 12, 2020

Golan Heights Renaissance returns with a salon

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