Art is used for creativity in many subjects -Udubrae

Udubrae

The current chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Ezekiel Emealereta Udubrae, recently led some artists from Plateau to Lagos for a week exhibition. In this interview with ADA DIKE, the studio artist reveals that art is a lucrative business.

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*How has art evolved in Nigeria?

From the beginning, art has been the major unification of lives. Art permeates all aspect of life; therefore, art is not just the end of a product but the beginning and the end of the development of Nigeria. Through art, we are recreating our history and everything. We use art to demonstrate and reinvigorate the social activity of the people, adding to the development of the country.

*Is art a lucrative venture?

Art is the only subject in school that one will read and don’t look for somebody to employ you. You can finish and start practising on your own. Even if you are working for somebody, you can still go into art practice on your own after retirement that is why I said that art is the beginning and the end of every profession. You can retire to art but do not retire from art. Art is very lucrative and we are making people to realise that we are not sky-rocketing our prices so that they can afford to buy and use it to decorate their homes. It is the only thing that is a future treasury for you and your children if you possess it. Artwork does not depreciate but it appreciates.

*How can you use art to foster peace and unity in Plateau State and Nigeria?

Presently, we have been using arts in one way or the other to affect the lives of ordinary populace. We have been using our works as fora to reach to people to educate them about the importance of peace. We have continued in spreading peace in Nigeria, that is part of the reasons we decided to do the exhibition in Lagos, to tell the world that Jos is a peaceful place to live. There will be development, peace and progress if all Nigerians embrace peace. Jos is now peaceful, so we implore investors and tourists to visit Jos and see that peace has since returned. We decided to start from Lagos because it is the citadel of commerce and tourism in Nigeria. We want people who have business to do in Plateau State to come back.

How can the federal government help in making art a more viable business?

Federal government is assisting the arts. Take for example, every year, they organise expo at the Eagle Square in Abuja. Artists normally showcase their works in that expo so the federal government is assisting the artists.

*In schools, both performance and visual arts are combined as a course in schools. How can students be encouraged to study visual art?

Art as a course is encouraging students to be self-reliant. Every parent should encourage their children because it is a course that sums up every other course. For example, you draw in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and other science subjects. Art is used for creativity in many subjects, so every child will fall in love with the course if they are directed properly.

*What informed your decision to become an artist?

From the beginning I love art. My uncle I stayed with was an artist, because of that, I discovered that I was talented, so I am proud to be an artist.

*Where is your gallery?

After my retirement, I opened a gallery in Jos museum. Presently, I have five students from Pankshin College of Education, Jos, in my gallery on internship. So we have been encouraging the young ones to embrace art.

Are any of your children into art?

One of my children has just finished his Ordinary National Diploma, doing his Higher National Diploma in Arts. He wants to specialise in painting and sculpture.

*What is advice your to the youths and Nigerians?

To everyone, art should be encouraged. To the government, more funds need t be put into art. Materials for artworks are expensive so artist should be encouraged by giving them soft loans to do their works.

*Can you tell us the meaning of your artwork with many people.

There are times people rejoice and celebrate. This is one of the celebration moments in which people are celebrating because peace has returned in Jos.

*Kindly give us insight to your background

I am a studio artist with a gallery in the premises of National Museum, Jos. I have oragnised and participated in many exhibitions, both solo and group.

I was born on April 19, 1952 at Oghenerurie-Iyede in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. I attended College of Education, Benin City, Edo State from 1979 to 1982 where I obtained a National Certificate in General Arts.

I also had a professional training in Cultural Resources Management at the Institute of Archaeology and Museum Studies, Jos in 1994, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration in 2005 from Edo State University, Ekpoma.

I joined the service of the National Commission of Museums and Monuments (former Federal Department of Antiquities) in 1975 where I rose from Museum Education Officer to Assistant Director before retiring 35 years later as Head of Department of Museum Studies in 2010.

I am a member of many professional bodies including International Council for Museums in Africa (ICOM) Member, Museum Association of Nigeria (MAN) Member, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM) Fellow, Institute of Corporate Executive of Nigeria and so on.

I have won several awards, prizes and sponsorship in recognition of my diligence, expertise and professionalism as an artist. Among the numerous awards and sponsorship include: the NYSC Chairman’s award in 1983 at Oyo State, I was sponsored by the National Commission for Museum and Monuments to attend an international workshop on creative silk screen printing, organised in conjunction with Graphic Artists in Amsterdam, Netherlands. I won the Individual Best Pavilion African Award in African Arts and Craft Expo in Abuja 2012.