The Art Finale

I had the honor of being invited to this fabulous art competition grand finale event organized by the African Artists Foundation. I received the invite (also via email) right after I attended the Etisalat iParty, not sure if they're connected but I'm glad they thought of me. I love Art. I love the Civic Centre even more. I pass it almost every day and wonder, hmm..."I'd like to go to there." Well, wonder no more, dear girl because you are. After living a couple of blocks from the Atlanta Civic Center (at one point), Fabulous Fox Theater and my favorite hideaway where I used to sneak into free book readings and talks, the Atlanta Woodruff Arts Centre, it's a thrill to see a Civic Centre in my hometown Lagos. 

I would like to tell you all about the event, my interactions and musings with the artistic eclectic crowd, except I don't remember it. I wasn't wasted or exhausted (well, slightly just) I was just late. Very Late. I arrived 10 minutes before the event ended. Why, you ask? Well, this is one of those times where I say going solo is a lot better, you get to arrive to events on time. 

Since The Civic Centre is such a swanky place, I was ashamed of arriving to it via taxi. I just wanted to be accompanied, arrive in style as if I know something, you know. Not a good move especially for an enthusiastic soloist like myself. It wouldn't have made a difference really, I don't know why I was thinking so small. My date/ride arrived to pick me up a hefty 2 hours after start time (yes, Sistas these Negroes have no respect for time), by the time we got there, parked and crossed the busy intersection, the event was damn near over. 5 minutes later, the winners were posing with their prizes and we were left perusing the art with beers in hand while the organizers packed up the chairs. Color me pissed!

I leave you now with glimpses of my evening captured in pictures. But trust me these pictures don't do the art justice. To me all the artists were all winners, they all presented great pieces, they were all truly talented. It takes a lot to get your mind to that place where it elevates, transcends pedestrian imagination and results in creating truly awesome pieces. Some of us strive for it but never achieve it and some do and express it effortlessly through writings, exhibitions, any flamboyant expressionisms, however, they can get it across, it's always an honor to share your crazy thought process with the world and have them appreciate it. To the artists, I'd say excellent job and keep it up!!

The Civic Centre

Instructional piece

Snapshot of the trendy art crowd

Winner explaining his motivation - yea, ok, like he was sober. 

My absolutely favorite piece sculpted in glass. Awesome breasts, love, love them. 

Visual of Lagos

More Visuals

Me asking why didn't I come solo. Color Me Pissed!

Musings with beer in hand.