From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos
Young Creatives have showcased over 240 artworks, a stark display of their creativity at the maiden structured art exhibition organised by Chrisland Schools.
The debut art exhibition themed: ‘Beyond Imagination’ featured a collection of paintings, drawings and arts created by students at the Adeline Gallery, Lagos.
Commending the students’ ingenuity, a former provost of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Professor Kunle Filani, noted the impressive authenticity of the students’ submissions, emphasising the importance of originality in art.
“When I see a work once, I always know when I see it again. These are not imitations. These children are creating something real. Their art teachers deserve kudos. Clearly, they have guided them well in the path of creativity,” he said.
Prof. Filani who toured the colourful halls filled with paintings, soft art, drawings, and sculpture expressed optimism that the future of art in Africa is shining brighter.
“The future of the creative industry in Africa is incredibly bright. There’s no betrayal of their education in these works. Many of them are original, professional even at this young age and that is deeply commendable,” he said.
He stressed on the importance of art, saying its significance lies in what it offers beyond the canvas.
“Art unifies the senses, the visual, the emotional, the cognitive. It shapes a complete person. Not all of these children will become professional artists, but this experience will stay with them. It helps them understand the world better, and perhaps most importantly, understand themselves,” he added.
The school’s principal, Lekki branch, Kolawole Bewaji reflected on the scale and evolution of the exhibition, saying it began with the expectation to receive 120 pieces but ended with over 240.
“Initially, we hoped for 120 pieces. But as the children kept working, the numbers and the quality grew. We ended up showcasing over 240 works,” he said.
He explained that the theme, Beyond Imagination, was borne out of a conversation with students about how art isn’t just about fantasy, but also about observation and expression.
“What I see is that many of these students can think far beyond the ordinary. Even something as simple as a tree they have made profound through their artistic lens,” he said.
Taiwo George-Taylor, visual artist who reviewed the students’ artworks commended the efforts of the students, describing art as language used to express emotions, ideas and thoughts.
“Art is more than decoration. It is more than a beautiful painting on a wall or a drawing in a sketchbook. Art is a language, a powerful language that speaks without words. It allows us to express what we feel, what we think, and what we dream.” he said.
Among the young exhibitors was Chimamanda Amaele, who presented five pieces inspired by her emotions and love for colour.
“Most of my artworks have bright colours like pink and white. I’m a very joyful person, and I wanted my art to reflect that,” she said.
She stressed that although she dreams of becoming a nephrologist, she sees art as a lifelong hobby that brings joy and expression.
Another standout artist, Egire Wisdom, captivated visitors with serene, living-room-ready works such as Garden of Eden and Moonlight Picture.
Wisdom sold two pieces for N50,000 and N60,000 respectively, solidifying his resolve for art and a testament to the growing commercial appeal of the students’ talents.
“I want to be an architect. A lot of buildings look so dull. I want to design places that are bright, imaginative, and beautiful just like art,” he said.
