Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited (SIPML), a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, has announced its sponsorship of the 2019 edition of Art X Lagos.
ART X Lagos is West Africa’s first international art fair, designed to showcase intriguing and innovative contemporary art from the African continent and diaspora.
This year, SIPML is sponsoring Art X Modern which is a newly created section dedicated to celebrating pioneers of African modern art from the 20th century.
A statement from the organisers said this year’s edition of event will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3, 2019 and the festival will feature 23 gallery booths including Nigerian gallery exhibitors such as: The Space, Bloom Art, Nike Art Gallery, Retro Africa and SMO Contemporary, among others.
The roll call of artists who will showcase their art includes: Abe Odedina (Nigeria/UK/Brazil), Soly Cissé (Senegal), Sam Nhlengethwa (South Africa), Tizta Berhanu (Ethiopia), Peju Alatise (Nigeria) and Lady Skollie (South Africa).
Art X Modern will comprise three galleries: Bloom Art and Mydrim Gallery, which are Nigerian, and Gallery 1957 from Ghana. The newly introduced section will also feature Uche Okeke and Obiora Udechukwu, both Nigerian artists, as well as Professor Ablade Glover from Ghana, amongst other reputed names.
SIPML will also host a dedicated sponsored talk session which will be open to the public.
Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pensions, Mr Eric Fajemisin, said the company’s sponsorship of Art X was hinged on its commitment towards promoting Nigeria’s art sector.
“Our interest in promoting arts is hinged on the belief that creativity and intellect can serve as sources of livelihood for individuals who decide to make a career out of their passion for painting and drawing.
“In other climes, art is cherished, and patrons sometimes pay a fortune for works of art that are considered collectors’ items. We want to promote a culture which ensures that artists are appreciated for their ingenuity and adequately rewarded with the premium and royalties that their work attract,” he said.
He added that the company decided to host the Art X Modern section as a means of ensuring that artists get the recognition due them during their lifetime.
“Being Nigeria’s largest pensions manger, we have the responsibility to ensure that our customers retire well, so that they have something to fall back on post work-life.
“We are also promoting that principle which holds that those who contribute actively to enriching lives and enhancing our creative industry get their due, even after leaving active work life,” Stanbic IBTC Pensions Chief Executive said.
