A Lagos-based artist, Anny Roberts, has revealed that she was inspired to create most of her artworks during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IT graduate of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, made this disclosure at an exhibition of his works titled ‘The Ascension’ in Lagos.
According to the artist, his intention was to highlight emerging artists, not only locally, but globally. ‘The Ascension’ featured 48 outstanding pieces in the modern and contemporary luxury furniture scene.
Roberts, who is also a photographer, stated that he considered photography as his main means of expressing his creativity. He said: “I started out as a photographer, and it’s still my main art medium. I’m mixing photography and traditional art, and let that be my only entry into the arts.
“I created many of these pieces after the blockade. With photography, I have to take pictures of people to get paid. But, with the lockdown, I wondered what I would have if everyone left. The lockdown has given me a lot of time to think. I had a boost of energy.’
For his part, The Ascension’s Chief Curator and Áwurè’s Creative Director, Kukoyi, stated that he wanted to show what it would be like to live in the “Nigeria of our dreams”. He said: “In the Nigeria of our dreams, our houses are beautiful, our art is elegant and our families are happy. Something wonderful happens when we start seeing the art of Nigerian artists hanging in luxurious homes.”
