Artists decry low patronage of works

Some artists on Thursday expressed concerns over the low patronage of their works describing it as frustrating and discouraging.

The artists spoke with the Naijaroyaltyculture.blogspot.com at the on-going Science and Technology expo in Abuja.

Mr Onyishi Odoja, a lecturer at the department of Visual and Creative Arts, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State described the trend as unpatriotic especially on the part of policy makers.

Onyishi alleged that some leaders are not leading by examples with their preferences for foreign labels.

He said that it was unfortunate that the locally made goods when labelled made in ltaly, China and others sell faster than the one labelled made in Nigeria.’’

Onyishi who also spoke about lack of appreciation for arts and paintings by Nigerians said that there was need for Nigerians to look inwards and be patriotic.

It is only right for us to encourage our local manufacturers at all levels.

We talk about implementation and empowerment, but some of our policy makers sit on imported chairs, their hands are placed on imported tables and they are discussing indigenisation.

That is hypocrisy; we may not go to the moon or do rocket science but we can start from simple things to solve our problems.

Similarly, Dr Chris Echeta, an art lecturer from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka said there was the need for Nigerians to appreciate hard work and ingenuity.

Artists used time to put up different art works in this country; the least is to buy such works as a form of encouragement.

But what entail is that, the rich and famous amongst us prefer paintings and sculptures from abroad.’’

Echeta who specialises in the use of ceramic, urged other artists to be steadfast in their work adding, “with hard work and consistency, the sky will one day be our starting point.’’

Alhaji Abubakar Naraguta, a manufacture of shoes and artificial limbs using locally sourced skin leather said patronage was low adding that some NGO’s and few individuals showed interests in his work.

I produce artificial limbs for those that have one of their legs or hands cut off but the government has not shown interest or support me in my work except some individuals and NGOs.

Naraguta who expressed satisfaction on the work he does with the animal skins (leather) said, “it has given him me the privilege to travel to almost all the states in the country.