Sixteen finalists have emerged in the maiden edition of the Sterling Bank RecyclArt Competition, which will reward four winners with a million naira each.
The competition being judged by a panel headed by acclaimed artist, Olu Amoda, is about the latest major corporate intervention in the steadily bourgeoning Nigerian art sector, with a focus on a road less travelled: the art of turning wastes into beautiful artworks.
The 16 finalists emerged from a pool of 630 young artists across Nigeria, who submitted proposals on transforming old, recycled and reused objects into what the panel and Sterling Bank calls amazing pieces of contemporary art for public spaces.
“RecyclArt was initiated by Sterling Bank to preserve culture and empower young artists to expand their art practice into the public realm while also supporting the environment by promoting the recycling and repurposing of waste materials,” the bank noted in a statement.
The finalists are Obiakor Thelma, Ekpe Anthony, Ifedilichukwu Chibuike and Okewu Jonathan from Abuja Zone; Fagbohungbe Olayemi, Nwasogwa Jachimike, Akpojotor Patrick and Dudu Emmanuel from Lagos Zone; Ajisafe Raphael, Olojede Ife, Ayodele Aribagabu and Samson Ogundeji from the Abeokuta Zone; and Udeh Charles, Asiegbu Collins, Muoneme Izuchukwu and Enejison Michael from Port Harcourt Zone.
The 16 will create miniature versions of their proposed works submitted for appraisal by judges.
Besides, each will have a solo installation/exhibition in one community park or space within their geo-political zone, courtesy of Sterling Bank.
With Amoda on the panel are Rom Isichei, Deola Sagoe and Ndidi Dike.
Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank, Henry Bassey, said, “Artists can do amazing things with recycled and repurposed materials by turning them into sculptures and other art forms thereby creating value from objects that will otherwise litter dumpsites. RecyclArt is providing this same opportunity to young and emerging artists in the country to become inventive by transforming waste into public artwork which will give a large number of Nigerians aesthetic pleasure.
“These eco-friendly art forms will also advocate the cause of the environment by inspiring the masses to reuse and repurpose waste which will in turn reduce our environmental challenges. I am happy that our distinguished panel of judges is looking for ingenuity and ability to create an original piece of art from recycled and repurposed materials.”
Also, Amoda emphasised the value of recycled art to the environment. “TheRecyclArt initiative is special to me because I want people to be able to see art and make the connection between the parent material and a new use. For instance, when using a plastic bottle for an artwork, it is important for people to see it as a plastic bottle not something else. This has a lot of advantages because the common man will no longer see the plastic bottle as a discarded object but as an object of value and that is the notion of recycling and repurposing. I believe RecyclArt will help people to make the connection that often elude them when they see artworks while also promoting recycling and repurposing for the benefit of the environment,” Amoda explained.
