FUNKE OSAE-BROWN
The Wheatbaker, one of Nigeria’s top luxury boutique hotel, has kicked off the celebration of its 5th anniversary with the opening of ‘Freedom’, an art exhibition by leading Nigerian contemporary artist, Gbenga Offo on Saturday, October 15, 2016.
In business circles, The Wheatbaker has become known as a destination for Nigerian art. In April 2016, it hosted a joint exhibition of works by Raqib Bashorun and Chika Idu curated by Sandra Obiago and Oliver Enwonwu.
The opening of ‘Freedom’ by the chairman of Wheatbaker, Bernard Longe, complements the hotel’s growing art collection of works by leading Nigerian artists including Peju Alatise, Rom Isichei, Olu Amoda, Mike Omoighe, Duke Asidere and Gerald Chukwuma.
The exhibition which consists of 39 paintings and sculptures by Gbenga Offo is a rare display of some of the exclusive works of the artist. Some of the works to see at the exhibition are ‘Hope’ a collection of sculpture depicting faith in a better future in spite of the economic challenges; another is ‘Still Missing’ Mixed Media on canvas highlighting the kidnap of the Chibok girls.
“’Freedom’ is a very special exhibition presented by Gbenga Offo,” says Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, the curator. “He is one of the most collected artist in Nigeria today. We started talking about this exhibition about a year ago. The title ‘Freedom’ is apt. This exhibition is presenting Offo’s first sculpture in bronze and steel.”
Offo who started out as a graphic designer, decided to expand the scope of his craft by experimenting with different media. “I studied art and had my own style,” he says of the exhibition. “I decided to experiment and do things my own way. I don’t want to box myself into a particular style, I just want to be me.”
Offo was inspired by the sculptures of Picasso he saw at an exhibition in 2015 in the United States. He decided to experiment with that medium. “That inspired me to get my own bearing. It is all about freedom. I have come to accept who I am as an artist. I want to be judged by my own standards.”
While speaking at a media conference before the opening of the exhibition, Simon Grindrod, general manager, The Wheatbaker, says everything the hotel has done is to promote the best of Nigeria in the arts.
“Through our exhibition, we have profiled some of the best artists in the world from Nigeria. Many of the ingredients for our food are from Nigeria. Our management is from Nigeria. This is a very important exhibition. It consists of never before seen pieces by Mr Gbenga Offo.”
The Wheatbaker is a preferred destination for fortune 500 companies’ executives as well as for other business travellers and tourists in need of a quiet and exclusive address in the heart of vibrant, boisterous Lagos. The 65 room hotel has since opening consistently won various hospitality industry awards for its quality service delivery and customer experience.
Since 2011, the Wheatbaker has supported art exhibitions, film screenings, dance and poetry performances, fashion shows, music concerts and yearly art auctions in an effort to use its premium hospitality platform to make Lagos one of the hottest African art hubs.
The exhibition is sponsored by Veuve Clicquot and the Wheatbaker and runs until January 15, 2017.
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