Bridging the Gap Between Emerging Artists and Seasoned Artists

Yinka Olatunbosun

A unique opportunity was opened recently in Lagos by The Gemini Art Gallery as it hosted a transformative event at the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos. This gathering, known as the Lagos Life Drawing Workshop, took place on April 25 and 26, serving as a bridge between generations of Nigerian artistic talents.

Organised by Raphael Akinnire, the founder of Gemini Art Gallery, the workshop targeted a specific gap in the market: the foundational importance of drawing in an industry that often prioritises finished paintings.

The workshop was distinguished by the presence of seasoned as well as mid-career artists who shared their studio-style techniques with younger enthusiasts. The event fostered a unique camaraderie, breaking the traditional barrier between teacher and student.

Some of the key facilitators and masters include Abiodun Olaku, Duke Asidere, Ogbemi Heymann, George Edozie, Bob-Nosa Uwagboe, Uche Uzorka, Saheed Adelakun, Wallace Ejoh, Obinna Makata, Jefferson Jonathan, Elizabeth Ekpetorson, Salako Olajide and Steve Ekpenisi.

Participants were made to focus on human anatomy and form, which are often considered the most difficult skills to master. The exercises were designed to help artists “loosen their pencils” and maintain the integrity of their strokes.

Raphael Akinnire encouraged young artists to view their skill as an “alternative currency,” highlighting the immense economic potential within the Nigerian art sector.

“For those of us that belong to my generation, it is an opportunity to share the experience we have built over time… Often, they call us masters, but to my understanding, we are all colleagues,” said Olaku.

The participants, tasked with “Visual Mapping,” spent the first two hours sketching the intricate patterns found in the JK Randle architecture. They captured the way the light hit the bronze-coloured fins of the building, translating the physical space into abstract geometry.

As the afternoon rolled in, the workshop shifted toward mixed media provided by Gemini Art Gallery.

The mentors—established artists represented by Gemini—moved between the tables like shadows. They didn’t correct; they nudged. At the wrap of the session, the workshop transformed into an impromptu exhibition. The work was pinned to mobile partitions, creating a labyrinth of fresh perspectives.

Orobola Olofinko, a multidisciplinary creative professional and a participant at the workshop revealed why he participated despite having a science background.

“I have a natural affinity for fine art,” he said. “I took classes in fine arts during my junior secondary school days. That was the last time I did anything related to Fine Art. The facilitators here taught us to see each drawing exercise as an opportunity to express ourselves. The goal is not perfection but to pour out our imaginings. That was quite impactful for me, as someone given to burrowing into the deeps. The facilitators allowed us to mingle and share ideas. We saw other people’s work to see areas where we can improve.”

Ogbemi Heymann, one of the facilitators for the two-day drawing workshop described the workshop as a meeting of informally and formally trained artists.

“Drawing is the fundamental, the language of art,” he said. “What Gemini Art Gallery is doing is very important because we have seen that in our system, there is a level of deficiency in artistry. So far, the response to the workshop shows that the practitioners and aspiring artists recognise this drawing as a tool to achieve their goals. This helps to rekindle art appreciation.”

Wallace Davies Ejoh, an artist and educator said the workshop offers opportunities that are not readily available in the classroom.

“The difference between the classroom and this workshop is that this appeals to mid-career and professionals who are here and are able to answer questions. You don’t get that in the classroom. The facilitators also get down to work and interact with other participants.”

Caption: A view of a drawing session at the Art Workshop in Lagos.