The Canvas of HOPE is a bold initiative to bring together a combination of world artists to create a single artpiece - The Canvas of HOPE.
Artists will each contribute some art work for a portion of the canvas. The canvas will travel to each contributing artist’s studio environment where it will stay until their contribution is completed. The theme for the canvas and for each artists work is HOPE. Artists are requested to be interviewed and filmed whilst at work on the canvas. Footage will be used for the documentary “Living the HOPE”. Artists are asked to explore HOPE in the context of their life and work.
The canvas started its journey in May 2009 in Osogbo, Nigeria. Chief Jimoh Buraimoh anchored the initiative at his Heritage Gallery. This was followed by Chief Muraina Oyelami in his palace in Iragbiji, Osun State. Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye then contributed to the canvas at her gallery and arts centre in Lekki, Lagos. The journey continued in August with the contributions of El Anatsui and Prof Uche Okeke. El is one of the most influential African artists of our time whilst Uche Okeke is widely acclaimed as the founder of ULI art. Two unknown mystery artists also contributed to the canvas. They will be revealed a little later on the canvas's journey as we attempt to give them a voice to platform their talent.
The campaign will now focus on getting contributions from a number of world renowned artists in Europe, Asia and America in support of the campaign.
Once the Canvas of HOPE is complete, it will go on tour before anchoring an auction for art of African origin. We hope to engage a globally reputed auction house to host the auction in late 2010. This will create a unique opportunity to host an event that will showcase the diverse works of all contributing artists.
We are making a global statement in support of disability through art whilst creating a platform for greater integration of African art into the international contemporary art scene.
Watch clips of artists at work on the Canvas of HOPE below…
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