Based in Texas, United States, Femi Ogunleye has a passion for his African culture and heritage. This, he tends to preserve and promote through the creation of the Olaju Art Group. In this interview, he shares with Praxis his aspirations for the group, challenges and nuggets from its premier exhibition. Read:
Femi Ogunleye speaking at the Voodoo Survived Exhibition
RELATED: Read about Kate Tales Foundation.
What is the Olaju Art Group?
The Olaju Art Group is an organization created to promote African cultural arts. It was founded in Ibadan in January 2014. We felt like there is a relatively low level of awareness regarding our culture. Through the group, we hope to increase the level by providing exhibitions which address significant cultural issues alongside contemporary art.
How did you come about its name?
The Yoruba word “Olaju” translates to “eyes open,” being synonymous with the word “exposure.” Exposure to African heritage is what we seek to provide through the use of contemporary art.
So far, have there been any workshops or exhibitions?
Yes, our premier exhibition was held on July 31, 2015 at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. The exhibition, titled “Voodoo Survived”, featured works by Nigerian photographer Nseabasi Akpan and raised awareness of the Annual Voodoo Festival and the history of its creation.
A guest appreciating an art piece at the exhibition
Oh lovely. What was the reception like?
It was well received. The audience appreciated the exhibition and a majority claimed to have learnt something new.
RELATED: Nuhu Dalyop – “Save A Child Through Art”
What are your aspirations for the group?
We want to become a source for security to emerging artists looking for a platform to develop their works. Our goals are two-sided; we want to be a link between African artists and international collectors, as well as provide educational information on African culture to the general public.
Any major challenges?
Of course, any start-up organization will have challenges, but our operational strategy reduces the impact of these challenges. The main challenges we are presently facing consist of funding, brand awareness and securing partnerships. Funding is crucial to our operations, limited funds equate to limited scope of a project. So our programs are executed with a minimal budget which means the audience does not receive the full impact which is intended. Brand awareness is low with a new company, so establishing a loyal group of followers will be needed in order to earn credibility and increase our network of supporters. Our partnerships focus on institutions of higher education because this environment is favorable for introducing new ideas and movements into the general public. Once we are able to develop more partnerships, we can host more exhibition on university campuses throughout the country and increase our recognition.
A view from the exhibition
In Africa, especially Nigeria, where arts suffer major setback, how do you go about your work?
In Nigeria, we only partner with artists who have proven to consistently and effectively produce works of art and also contribute to the local arts community. Working with such individuals provides a sense of assurance that all will be done to carry out the organization’s mission when various challenges emerge.
RELATED: Build Your Career like an Architect
So how can one become member of the Olaju Art Group?
Members of the group consist of artists and patrons. If you are an artist with a consistent portfolio of work and prove to be serious about your craft then you can submit your works and open discussion with current members. The patrons are individuals who are committed to spreading the work and willing to fund the creation and promotion of the works of any artist who is selected to join the group.
I would also like all readers to know that we are a nonprofit organization and the works that are sold overseas support the development of works to come. All our efforts are for the development of African culture and we appreciate anyone that takes the time to view our work and better understand the message behind the art. To connect with us we can be reached at facebook: olajuartgroup or Instagram: olajuartgroup.
RELATED: Going Abroad to Pursue Your Passion
Thank you, Femi. Best wishes in your endeavors.
Thank you, Jennifer.