TexArt Fair 2024 celebrates the future of Nigerian arts, textiles, crafts in Ibadan
By Editor
THE festival of Arts, Textiles, Craft and Creativity, also known as TexArt Fair (TAF) and initiated in 2023, is set to open on November 21 and close on November 23, 2024. TexArt Fair is an initiative of a multi-cultural art organization, Blackulheritage Studios in collaboration with the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Dugbe, Ibadan where it will be held. TexArt Fair (TAF) aims at promoting and protecting the Nigerian textile and art industry, as well as projecting and preserving Nigeria and Africa’s rich cultural heritage in arts, crafts and textile designs.
An expert panel of discussants that include visual artist, curator and the CEO of Young Artists Art Hub, Olaide Turne-Moyet, art historian at The Polytechnic Ibadan, Felix Egunjobi, visual artist, Tony Agah and the curator of National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Oriyomi Pamela Otuka will give expression to the fair’s theme ‘Nigerian Arts, Textiles & Crafts: The Future in Global Economy.’ Moderating the panel session will be Adejumo David while Titilayo Mutiat Oladejo, PhD of the Department of History, University of Ibadan will give the keynote address.
A statement by Convener of TexArt Fair, Mr. James Adewale Asubiojo and the Secretary and Chief Librarian, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Mr. Ezomo-Ajiwe, Aizehinomo says, “The first edition of TexArt Fair showcased an array of artistic genres and their richness and became a testament to the power of creativity as a unifying force. With the experiences garnered from the past edition, we are set for a more improved festival offerings. Having discovered some major areas in which art can be exploited to improve the standard of living, at the same time create an enabling environment, we decided to include more enriching educational, social, entertainment, relaxation and, of course, tourism-related activities.”
Chief (Dr.) Adeniyi Adediran of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho spoke about the many ways the government can encourage local artists and craftsmen to navigate their arts, as the keynote speaker at the maiden edition. The theme was ‘Nigerian Art: Yesterday, Today and Future.’
Convener of TexArt Fair, James Adewale Asubiojo
According to the organisers, “This second edition will bring many unforgettable and fun memories as Dr. Oladejo of the University of Ibadan will shed light on the festival theme ‘Nigerian Arts, Textiles and Crafts: The Future in amj Global Economy.’ Also, Professor Baseinde A Ademuleya of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, alongside Mr. Banjo Busuyi will discuss ‘Working with the Living Masters’ the second day. It’s a programme that will have a positive influence on upcoming artists and be motivated to use their art to affect their society positively just like the masters.
“On the third and last day of the festival, a special workshop that documents some historic aspects of Ibadanland through drawing, paintings and photography called ‘Capturing the Ancient City’ will be held. The outcome of this workshop will be used as part of the next edition of contemporary art exhibition among others. TexArt Fair promises to redefine the landscape of cultural celebrations, encapsulating the essence of innovation, diversity and creative exploration by creating a platform for artists from different cultural backgrounds where their vision comes to life. It’s our hope that this will transcend boundaries and resonate with our global audience.”
The art fair exhibition will bring together creative artists, textile designers, visual artists, craft men/women, textile manufacturers, producers and other stakeholders in arts, crafts and textile designs to showcase their works and products.
“In addition, we have received entries in drawings, paintings, textiles, sculptures and more from many upcoming and professional Nigerian artists who are participating,” the statement continued. “We have the likes of Ayoola Omovo, Animu Oboirien, Wale Asubiojo, Adrew Akinbodewa, Elvis Magolo, Moyo Ewetola, Samuel Akintola, Olaniyi Odunsi, Victor Akpan, Mutiu Odetunde and Moses Olagunju. The works of late Oluwatoni Ogunrinde will also be showcased as tribute to his artistry, among others.
“This year, as we explore the theme ‘Nigerian Arts and Textiles and Crafts: The Future in a Global Economic’, the festival invites us to reflect on the beauty that arises when different artistic voices come together to create a symphony of perspectives that enriches our cultural heritage. In the spirit of fostering creativity, TexArt Fair actively represents a spectrum of voices, ensuring that the underrepresented artists find a spotlight. It’s also a creative platform where emerging talents can flourish while nurturing the next generation of artists through mentorship programmes and educational initiatives that are youth-focused.
“Let us remember that art has the power to transcend boundaries, ignite passions and unite us. We are grateful to the various artists who have poured out their souls into this vibrant festival of expression which not only showcases the richness of human creativity but also serves as a catalyst for the continued evolution of artistic endeavours.”
