Coronation Group Restates Commitment to Promote African Art, Celebrates 13 Female Art Collectors
L-R: Lanre Shasore, Public Policy Specialist; Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Coronation Group Limited; Grace Osime, Founder, The Graks Foundation; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Coronation Group Limited; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Tinuade Awe, ESG Consultant; Ugoma Ebilah, Curator, Coronation Art Gallery; Sola Carrena, Corporate finance executive; Dolores Odogwu – Edgal, Director, United African Insurance Brokers. At the Coronation Art gallery exhibition where the remarkable artworks of esteemed female collectors where showcased, recently in Lagos.
By Azeez Disu
As part of its sustainability agenda of promoting inclusivity and contributing to the growth of African art, Coronation Group showcased the artworks of 13 distinguished female collectors at its 2024 Art Gallery Exhibition held recently at the Coronation Art Gallery.
The exhibition dedicated to women collectors aimed to foster dialogue on the role of women in the art space and advancing gender representation in creative industries which is in line with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, Gender Equity. It also symbolizes the company’s commitment to contributing to the growth of the art industry.
The exhibition was well attended by crème de la crème in the art industry including captains of industries, government officials, entertainment, and media professionals. The themes such as innocence, camaraderie, dreamscapes, and joy were expressed in the artworks to showcase the beauty of African art.
Speaking at the event, Yemi Sadik, Managing Director of Coronation Trustees said the initiative is part of the company’s effort to contribute to the growth of the art ecosystem.
“We are honoured to collaborate with several distinguished female collectors whose invaluable contributions to the art world are both inspiring and significant. They have remarkable collections which we have the privilege of showcasing tonight.”
In the same vein, Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing Officer, Coronation Group explained that the company aims to empower stakeholders across the art value chain, adding that the exhibition increases the value of the artworks showcased and the artists that made them.
“We are showcasing the collectors specifically because we know it is all about adding value to the ecosystem. Someone sees the art that was collected by somebody else and wants the piece like that. So we have the collectors, curators, creators, and custodians like Coronation who are bringing all of these parties together to showcase the beauty of African art.”
Commenting on why the exhibition was focused on female collectors, Akinyele said “For two years, we have had the opportunity to showcase the artworks of individuals and for the first time, we decided based on our agenda to drive inclusivity across all aspects of life to then look at women who are collecting artworks and we showcased 13 women. It is also to showcase the impact women collectors are making in the art space.”
Ugoma Ebilah, Curator at Coronation Art Gallery added that “This exhibition is a portrait of collecting women. Through their collecting practices, their discerning eyes, and their unwavering passion for creative expression these thirteen (13) women have not only supported the African arts ecosystem but are also challenging traditional notions of art ownership and patronage and hopefully will inspire future generations of collectors and art enthusiasts. ”
The 13 collectors are Adia Sowho, Bimpe Nkontchou, Dolores Odogw Edgal, Dudun Peterside, Freda Isingoma, Funmi Oyetunji, Grace Osime, Lanre Shasore, Nwakaego Boyo, Sola Carrena, Tinuade Awe, Touin Odulate, and Ugoma Ebilah.
Noteworthy, the Coronation Art Gallery seeks to democratize art by making cultural treasures accessible to a broader audience. The exhibition does not only display impressive collections but also promotes the idea that art should be a shared cultural and economic asset, available to all, not just a select few.
