Finalists for the third edition of ‘Next of Kin Series’ art exhibition and competition organised by Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos have emerged.
The 10 finalists, who were unveiled at the weekend are Mobo Ogunrosoye, Hassan Abdulazeez, Waheed Ariyo, Odinakachi Okoroafor and Taiwo Abisoye. The others are Unyime Edet, Ojo Adewale, Christain Allison, Michael Igwe and Almat Adams.
They are all young contemporary and emerging artists whose professional careers do not exceed eight years and who possess unique skills and potentials to become future masters.
Three works by each of the finalists would be shown at the grand finale of the contest on Saturday, March 21 by 4 pm at Thought Pyramid. Art lovers and patrons would be able to view the works until April 4.
Unveiling the artists, Curator at Thought Pyramid, Ovie Omatsola, disclosed that a judging panel comprising seasoned artists Abiodun Olaku, Sam Ovraiti and Kelani Abass picked the 10 finalists.
He explained that the selection process starts from October of the previous year when a call for entries is announced.
There were over 363 entries from different media including painting, drawing, sculptures (wood carving, metal works, ceramics), photography and installations.
However, 26 entries were disqualified because of irregularity and incomplete submission. The remaining entries were then divided into six batches, each containing 60 entries apart from the sixth batch that had only 26 entries.
The criteria for selecting the participants were subject matter and content, creativity and originality, composition and presentation, use of material mastery, aesthetic perception and wow factor.
“All the works went through screening by the judges in two different stages from which the best 16 made it to the final stage,” Omatsola said.
He added that “from the selected 16 that the three jurors unanimously picked, we arrived at finalists of 10 participating artists for 2020 Next of Kin show, using the six different criteria listed.”
Giving further insights into the history of the competition, Omatshola said: “The show is aimed at promoting the careers of these young artists while fostering the appreciation and enjoyment of contemporary Nigerian art. It is also a window to raise the standard of art practice in Nigeria.”
The winner of this year’s edition will have a solo show lasting one month at Thought Pyramid Centre.
The Next of Kin exhibition series started in 2017 with the first edition held in 2018. Participating artists at that maiden edition were Elizabeth Ekpetorson, Oluwole Omofemi, Bertha Onyekachi, Akintomide Aluko, Ikechukwu Nnadi, Fortune Anuforo, Sotonye Jumbo, Osifeso Ezekiel, Anthonia Nneji and Sidney Osioh.
The second edition in 2019 featured Ikechukwu Ezeigwe, Olukotun Opeyemi, Odibo Odiabhehor, Kareem Tobiloba, Ifeanyi Ugwoke, Segun Fagorusi, Anedu Edozie, Badru Taofeek, Agbaje Julius and Alogi John.
Some of the former participants, including Ekpetorson and Onyekachi attended the event and disclosed how the series had boosted their careers.