The Nigerian High Commission in collaboration with Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) on Monday hosted a solo exhibition at the Regional Headquarters, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. The exhibition, entitled Stories with Metal, was described as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage shared between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Speaking at the exhibition, Nigerian artist and volunteer/cultural diplomat to Jamaica Alao Luqman Omotaya shared, “The history of African art has played a significant role in shaping the culture and history of the world. The belief that Africa is the cradle of the history of mankind is virtually unshakeable. The origins of African art history occur long before recorded history, preserved in the obscurity of time. Art history is the history of different groups of people and their culture represented throughout their artwork. This history of cultures is shown in the Taino of Jamaica and Yoruba of Nigeria, in different forms, and can be shown through attire, architecture, religion and sports, or more visual pieces of art such as paintings, drawings and sculptures. Both countries, Nigeria and Jamaica, reflect a rich cultural heritage which they still enjoy today.” Stories with Metal, he added, aims to revive and highlight the rich cultural heritage at risk of becoming extinct in society.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica Janet Olisa, in her remarks as she declared the exhibition officially opened, sought to highlight the similarities in Nigerian and Jamaican culture including dance, revivalism and rhythm.
The evening’s proceedings were handled by Dania Bennett and included a reading of the poem Missing Pieces of Art written by The University of the West Indies, Mona medical student Tehilla Jeffrey, and drumming from students of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/social/stories-with-metal_169550
