Artistic Odyssey
By Francis Odupute with Okwuokei ijeoma and Ubiomo Oghenedoro Efe
The first-ever collaboration between the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Edo State chapter and the National Gallery of Art (NGA) has held in Benin City, Edo State, with an aesthetic group art exhibition titled *”Artistic Odyssey.”*
The event which opened on Monday, 25th August, 2025 at the NGA Benin City office was, in the words of Mr. Uchenna Umeh, Vice Chairman, SNA Edo state chapter, was “a renaissance and a rebirth for art and culture collaboration in Edo state. Both The NGA and the SNA have made this collaboration to help artists and their arts in Edo State, and to make sure the richness of the culture embodied in art is carried far and wide.”
The Curator of NGA Benin Station and chief host of the event, Mrs. Joy Ogben, in her welcome speech expressed her sincere passion and love for art. Mrs. Ogben said she believes art can thrive in Nigeria but there is need for more support from the federal government, so the artists can bring out the best in them. “Art is a gift,” she said, stressing that “most people that go to the university to read it actually already have it in them; the school just helps bring it out”. She further commented on the negative narrative some parents have about art. “Some parents think art is for dull children, this is a wrong narrative” she argued. She advised parents who find their children indulging in Art creations, to support them and not discourage them.
Also speaking, Mr. Peter Nwakwushue, H.O.D, Curatorial Department of the NGA, explained the dedication of National Gallery of art (NGA) as a body charged with overall promotion of arts in Nigeria. According to him, the group exhibition “Artistic Odyssey” is a “warm welcome” adding that the NGA was trying to extend their services as a body through the SNA. “We here as NGA, our work is to promote art, to promote artists and everything that has to do with creativity in Nigeria. “Artistic Odyssey” is one of the kinds of programs via which we promote art and culture. The Artist and the Art in Nigeria is our business;” he mentioned that the NGA spreads across 26 states in Nigeria, and advised artists and art galleries both public and private owned, to seek the help of the National Gallery of Art to organize exhibitions, as the NGA is open for strategic partnerships and collaborations.
On his part, the Curator of the National Museum Benin City, Mr. Mark Olaitan, preached the gospel of Art promotion and synergy, announcing that he had received an order from the Director-General of NCMM that “to encourage the youths to engage in arts, every Nigerian artist who wants to work in synergy with the Museum is not to pay a single naira.”
Professor John Oghene, former DVC, University of Benin, in his keynote address as Special Guest, gave a brief talk on the topic he titled “Organic Intelligence in the era of artificial intelligence: wither the artist?”. He raised questions on how the era of artificial intelligence affects the average artist who he sees as Organic Intelligence. He acknowledged how Artificial Intelligence was made to make things easier, but for the artists it may limit them. Prof. Ogene advised artists to use their organic intelligence as it will help them get to the aspired destination. He advised artists to be conscious of who they are, what they do and when they do it.
Other stakeholders and participating artists also gave a word or two in regard to the exhibition, including Tyson Oghenetejiri Oseyoma Onoseri, who calls himself “D Coffee Boy”. With his artwork titled “Necter yearning”(series II), he explained how his work was made entirely out of coffee. He believes like every other occupation, Art can also pay the bills. He opined that “what makes it pay your bills depends on how you administrate it.” He explained that if one must make it in the field of art they must understand the economics of their talent. “As an undergraduate, art has been my sponsor; although my family supports me, earnings from my art have also contributed greatly.” He explained how one can earn as an artist while even being a first year undergrad. He believed art is one profession that you can earn from even before officially finishing the course and being a certified artist. He stated that his biggest challenge as an artist is how he is mostly underpaid. “D Coffee Boy” said: “it is one thing to love art, and it is another thing to be able to afford it”; and this contemporary artist believes strongly that one day, his commitment towards art will be seen and heard.
Another artist/exhibitor, Chukwuebuka Okwuba opined that while art can pay the bills, it is important not to put all eggs in one basket. He said, “Art indeed can pay the bills but like every other creative industry, as an upcoming artist, you’re not expected to depend on art alone. You must multi-task”. He expressed art appreciation and patronage as his biggest struggles. “Art is like luxury, so it thrives more in balanced economies”. He explained how the state of the economy also affects art patronage. To him, in an economy where feeding is already difficult, who will want to buy art pieces? One has to be able to afford all the basic necessities of life, before they can think of getting an art piece for its worth.
Also, another artist/exhibitor, Ehigbai Michael, who created a stallion horse with Binding wire, explained that his inspiration came as a result of “suffering”; he said the stallion represented a strong resilient spirit.
Other exhibitors in the *“Artistic odyssey”* included Sophia Jovita Ejamen, the Chairman of SNA Edo State; Uchenna Cyrinus Umeh, the Vice Chairman of SNA, Edo State; Jacobson Toluwa Ejamen; Saliu Abdulmajeed Imoudu; Mudia Daniel; Famous Umobuarie; Ogieva Collins Izogie; Justus Imona-Russel; Chidubem Ekere Ejiofor; Chukwuebuka Okwuba; Chioma Peculiar Ikponmwosa; Esther Esosa Esizimetor; Oyedele Joshua; Oluwaseun Mabel Okuta; Marvis Osareniye Igiewe;Ewheba Ochuko Hendrix; and other SNA members.
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