By Ifeayinwa Onyenweli
A modern private Museum, “The Thought Pyramid Art Center“ has been officially opened in Benin City weekend at the GRA axis of the Benin metropolis, with an array of art bugs and aficionados in attendance.
The Museum which is designed with beautiful modern art works is located in a serene environment in Aiguobasinwin, GRA Benin City with the aim to serve tourists as they enter Benin City Edo state for pleasure.
Speaking during the official opening, Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Malaka lauded the effort of the founder /lead Curator of the Thought Pyramid Art Center Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi for finding Edo State worthy enough to site the Thought Pyramid.
She noted that the flux of private owned business in Benin recently would not have been possible if the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki did not create the enabling environment for private business to thrive.
“The Governor is a lover of Arts, he created the enabling environment for this, and we are delighted to welcome home Edo sons and daughters who have made exploit in Arts and Culture. We hope to see more of this in Benin City”.
“Art is therapeutic and Edo State remains the center of Arts in Nigeria”. Dr Malaka said at the opening ceremony in Benin City on Saturday, 11th November 2023.
Speaking also, founder of the Thought Pyramid Art Center, Olorogun Jeff noted that the grand opening of the Art Pyramid is not just an expansion but a homage to the rich heritage of Edo State.
“The RED BOOK exhibition not only marks the opening of Thought Pyramid Art Center, Benin but also celebrates the State’s cultural and artistic vibrancy, showcasing its inherent creative excellence.”
According to Mr. Ajueshi, the management of the Art Center has positioned to walk with the set vision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to foster innovative problem-solving measures within the realm of Arts.
“Our goal is to support creative leadership among the people of Edo and ignite private sector engagement within the artistic community”.
On his part, a renowned International Artist, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh showcased his work at the Thought Pyramid Red Book opening ceremony and gave art lovers present at the gallery a recount of his journey in the Art Industry which began in 1954.
Chief Jimoh noted that he is the first Artists to design his work with bead painting in Nigeria. According to him, his inspiration for bead painting was drawn from the Royal Crown of the Oba and ever since then, other Artists have taken a cue into bead painting.
“As one of the Oshogbo Masters painters, I have worked with a lot of profound Artists and I have also lectured several students’ especially young and old people on how to be creative with their skills.”
He commended the management of Thought Pyramid Art Center for giving Edo People the unique opportunity to experience nature and Arts. Chief Buraimoh further charged Edo People to ensure they maximize the rare opportunity presented to them by the Thought Pyramid as this would launch the art and culture status of Edo State to the World.
High point of the event was the Exhibition of several Art works by some of the Artists who were on present for the RED Book exhibition. They included Ada Osaretin Godspower, who has pursued studies in visual art and general design at a private institution in France from 1982 to 1984.
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Pix: Edo State Commissioner for Arts Culture and Tourism, Dr Uyi Oduwa Malala, declaring open the Thought Pyramid Arts Centre in Benin, Edo state Nigeria.
