Grillo Pavilion honours Demas Nwoko

The artist doesn’t like publicity.

By Ayo Okulaja

Foremost artist Demas Nwoko will be celebrated at the third annual Grillo Pavilion Visual Arts Fiesta on Saturday, April 23.

John Godwin, a professor of architecture at the University of Lagos and author of a book on the works of the painter, sculptor, architect and designer, will deliver a lecture titled ‘The Architecture of Demas Nwoko’ at the event, which will take place in Ikorodu.

Born in 1935, Nwoko is one of the popular ‘Zaria Rebels’ famous for championing the concept of ‘natural synthesis’, which advocated the combining of contemporary Western art techniques with African ideas, art forms and themes. Other ‘Rebels’ include renowned artists Uche Okeke, Simon Okeke, Yusuf Grillo and Bruce Onobrakpeya.

Some of Nwoko’s famous architectural works include the Dominican mission in Ibadan, Oyo State; the Oba Akenzua Theatre in Benin City and the Cultural Centre in Ibadan. He also has a magnificent private edifice called ‘New Culture Studios’ in Ibadan.

Founder of the Grillo Pavilion and art patron, Rasheed Gbadamosi, described Nwoko as the “line between architecture and arts” at a press conference to announce the fiesta on Tuesday, April 19.

Tutu’s history

Gbadamosi also disclosed that the pavilion will conduct research into the real identity of the image of ‘Tutu’ done by Ben Enwonwu. Referring to the female image as Nigeria’s own version of the Mona Lisa, Gbadamosi stated, “We are organising a seminar called the ‘Search for Tutu’.

“Our own Mona Lisa deserves a seminar to analyse her and her features which can possibly help trace her origin to whether she was a slave, a mistress to the Oonii of Ife or if she was a princess, or just a model for Enwonwu.”

He also hinted at the next artist to be celebrated at the pavilion. He revealed that Uche Okeke, another member of the Zaria art movement, will be feature at the 2012 edition of the art fiesta. He noted that Okeke, who is in frail health, has agreed to the programme. Gbadamosi also added that Enwonwu’s family has agreed to have his illustration of ‘Things Fall Apart’, which has not been seen in public, to be exhibited at the pavilion amongst many of his works.

“We are in search for more of the Zarianists, who could clear the dearth of the intellectual resource,” said Gbadamosi.

The fiesta will hold at Grillo Pavillion, 1 Sule Oyeshola Gbadmosi Crescent, off Obafemi Awolowo road, Oke-Ona (near Ikorodu Grammar School), Ikorodu.

Source: 234next.com