Omanye House, an art gallery on the La road is hosting an art exhibition expected to enlighten newcomers to the world of arts as well as delight seasoned art lovers and critics.
The month long exhibition which opened on 6th November 2014 attracted the Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Irene Vida Gala, artists from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology as well as emerging artists.
The exhibition has room for all art forms including paintings, creative works, sculptures and carvings.
Exhibitors include five retired and practicing artists: Prof. Ato Delaquis (painting), Mr. Benjamen Offei-Nyarko (painting) Dr. B.K. Dogbe (sculpture), Dr. Mariama Ross (art educationist) and Mr. J.K. Amoah (Ceramics) formerly of the college of Art at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology.
Prof. Ablade Glover, curator of the Omanye Gallery welcomed the guests whiles Madam Vida Gala expressed her appreciation to organizers for inviting her to such a remarkable event to partake in the beauty, and appreciation of nature; an experience which for her, brings so much meaning to her life outside her busy schedules.
Dr. Mariama Ross, an exhibitor also expressed her fulfillment stemming from the practice of art which was less practiced during her time as full-time lecturer. She noted that she was particularly glad that a whole new chapter has opened in her life with respect to the arts after her pension as she gets to practice her passion full time.
Seasoned artist (Painting) Gabriel Eklue decried how parents discouraged their wards with artistic talents. He admitted that as a beginner, one ought to work extremely hard to make a mark with his own unique creation. He added that though art was not highly praised in our part of the world, people are developing the love for arts. “Unlike the past when art was popular in its intricate forms except in purely traditional and sacred palaces and museums, now it transcends to the expression of emotions of our daily lives and the beauty of nature. Thus, parents should encourage wards with this talent as there are huge prospects in this area presently” he noted.
Nana Afari Darko, an emerging artist also expressed his discontent with the popular notion that art is just something appreciated for its aesthetic qualities. He explained that art as a concept can be placed in two categories; there is the aesthetic version of art which a lot of people are aware of as well the commercial aspect which ranges from mass production of tangible useful products as seen in fashion adaptations, furniture etc to the sciences where art concepts are developed to be employed in construction and engineering industries. “Art is more than what many perceive it to be. It goes beyond sheer ecstatic art pieces” he stressed.
Dr. Dogbe for his part elaborated on how participating artists contributed in diverse ways towards the organization of the entire edition. He particularly lauded Mr. Benjamin Offei-Nyarko for being instrumental in the hosting of the exhibition which exposes creations of the artists to the world.
Quizzed on which group of people patronised their wares and shows the art don mentioned expatriates as being their major clients.
He expressed content with collaborative efforts of participants towards the on-going success of this season’s edition of the artist alliance exhibition.