Artists
By Taiye Olayemi
Lagos, April 2, 2019 (NAN) Sam Ovraiti, a Nigerian master painter of 36 years experience, on Tuesday advised upcoming artists to remain diligent and disciplined, to enable them to succeed in their chosen profession.
Ovraiti gave the advice at a press briefing announcing his solo art exhibition, at Alexis Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the art exhibition is: “Sam Ovraiti, Retrospective; Exposition of 36 years Romance with the Language of Colours”.
According to him, the event, scheduled for April 6 to April 19, is to celebrate his 36 years of practice, exploring his works, styles and media record.
The art expo would showcase 40 oil and pastel paintings from Ovraiti.
The painter, who said that lack of diligence and discipline had brought about failure among young artists over the years, noted that art was gradually gaining recognition in this part of the world.
He, however, advised that painting should not be embarked on for financial gains, but should be seen as a profession an individual must have passion for.
“An artist who wants to be successful must be disciplined, focused and diligent.
“Painting to get means of survival is not appropriate; but whoever is taking up the career must examine himself, to be sure of having the passion for the art.
“When the passion is lacking, the will power to forge ahead in times of trial will equally be lacking.
“An artist must be able to realise himself, communicate effectively without imitating other artists,” he said.
Ovraiti said that he would not want to be referred to as a water-colourist but a water-colour painter; because he had employed different objects in his paintings over the years.
According to him, being referred to as a water-colourist limits him as an artist to only using water colour as his sole means of passing across his message, which is not true.
“I am not a water-colourist; I practise water-colour painting, likewise I’m not a mixed media artist; but practise mixed media in my art.
“I have employed other means of paintings over the years; so, I don’t feel I should be restricted to being a water-colourist,” he said.
Mrs Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, Curator, Alexis Galleries, expressed satisfaction at having Ovraiti running his first solo exhibition in 20 years at her gallery.
She described Ovraiti as a painter with huge knowledge of colours, experience and painting, who could paint with his eyes closed.
“I am pleased that someone like Ovraiti is showing in our space; marking his date and exhibiting his works with the public, likewise other artists.
“Ovraiti is a true master painter; his strokes are very bold, his palate knife incredible, and his colours are pastel,” she said.
Chidiac-Mastrogiannis said that a retrospective exhibition was important for artists who wanted to move their arts to the next level.
She noted that the exhibition would offer artists opportunities to retrace their steps, to refresh and re-position their minds and imagination for new challenges.
The curator called on art lovers to visit the gallery during the exhibition, to enable them to relax amidst Ovraiti’s works, capable of relieving individuals of psychological and emotional stress.
She appreciated the sponsors of the exhibition, such as Pepsi, Mikano, Amarula, The Homestores Ltd, La Cave, Delta Airline and others.(NAN)
PTB/FLP/SOA
============
Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Oluwole Sogunle