Alexis Galleries Introduces Art Residency Programme

In addition to its plethora of exhibitions this season, Alexis Galleries recently introduced a one-month artist-in-residence programme in Victoria Island, Lagos. For this maiden edition, six artists were selected across generational gaps, from emerging to established artists, to build a sustainable relationship that will inspire innovative thinking. These artists are Oluwole Omofemi (painter from Ibadan), Samuel Tete-Katchan (sculptor/ painter from Ghana), Sunday Effiong Isaac (metal sculptor), Olorunyemi Kolapo Obadiah (painter from Abuja), Oyelusi Olusunkanmi (painter) and Dr. John Oyedemi (painter).

For the CEO, Alexis Galleries, Patty Chidiac Mastrogiannis, starting off strong with six artists was a tough decision that needed to be made. Walking into the Gallery II which doubles as a studio for the artists, the entire place looked chaotic-very typical of artists’studios. Sometimes, an individual artist painted four or more works simultaneously, as the ideas came. Their time was also limited. One month was all they had to release their creative energy within the confined space that shielded them from daily distractions.

All the works from this residency will be showcased at an exhibition slated for October.

Speaking on the residency experience, Oyedemi, who is likely the oldest among the artists, revealed that the programme has drawn the participating artists closer.

“We relate like brothers,” he began. “Initially, I had a room to myself. But now, we flow from room to room. We’re from different places yet we came together and relate freely. It’s been great.”

Oyedemi who studied fine art at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria added that the residency programme allows for crosspollination of ideas.

The youngest among the lot, Obadiah expressed his pleasant surprise at the outcome of the programme. The first week was difficult as the artists were still trying to get to know one another.

“By the second week, we got along,” he revealed. “We reflect change in different ways in our works.