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| The BOOK |
Maja-Pearce revealed this while addressing the press
today in Lagos. Recalling what inspired her to publish the book, she said: “ The
genesis of the book was the unofficial opening of Yemaja Art Gallery in 2009,
when Olu Ajayi, the then Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (Lagos
State Chapter), casually asked the publisher, ‘so when are you going to start
publishing art book?’
“From that moment, the die was cast. Two years
later, the form for this book became evident to me. For a while now, those of
us who are passionate about the development of the visual arts sector often
find ourselves brainstorming on issues that affect us and our profession. Fortunately,
the rest of the world has renewed its interest in contemporary African art,
thereby creating a demand for the artistic excellence and innovation,” she
said.
The book, published by Gong Publication, consists of
twenty two articles, contributed by twenty artists who were selected after call
for entry in 2010. Conceived and compiled by Maja-Pearce, it raises issues and questions
on contemporary Nigerian art which will be discussed during the book launch
with a debate titled: Defying the Parameter
of Contemporary Nigerian Art.
The speakers will be Art Historian, University of
Benin, Edo State, Prof Freeborn Odiboh and Tobenna Okwuosa, from Niger-Delta
University, Bayelsa State. The book will be reviewed by Kehinde Adepegba. The debate
will be chaired Head of Department creative Arts, University of Lagos, Peju
Layiwola.
