Artkeeper’s Lamps shine at exhibition in Lagos

Artkeeper’s Lamps shine at exhibition in Lagos

Google.Aerial View of the National Theater,Lagos,Nigeria

TheArtkeeper’s lamps and paintings have sparkled brilliance and creative ingenuity of the Nigerian spirit at this year’s Artkeeper’s Folktales Lamp Exhibitionorganized by James Olloh, CEO ofJinoish International Limitedin conjunction with Jimi Slanke’sTV Storyland Re-lived, Collage Collection and music and Vera Akpan’sOre mi SisiOloge Fashion Crafts. The exhibition has ended at the National Council of Arts and Culture Auditorium of the National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos, on October 21, 2014. 

It was a well-attended event as Nigerians, from all walks of life, trooped into the venue of the event to view and purchase some of the Artkeeper’s beautiful table lamps with sculpted seats, created with exceptional ambience, to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Most prominent among the lamps is the brand of radio that carries a lamp and narrates folktales (the talking lamp).

Speaking at the event, the elated Olloh stated that, “to me, this is a way of bringing our rich stories into the present and the future. I am workingwith renowned artist, Jimi Solanke, who is voicing the stories to realize this dream.” According to Olloh, it was his believe in the ability of artists to create works of art that are revolutionary when they add more value to their pieces that inspired him to ‘invent’ a radio that wears a crown of lamp. However, distinct from other radios that relay news and music, is that Olloh’s own is a ‘talking radio’. This is because Mr. Ollohautomated folk tales into the radio, so that when the buyer is using the lamp, he isable to listen to African stories from the radio.

The lamps come in different colours, shapes and sizes. His collection of lamps at the Exhibition Stand shows deep inspiration; and speaks volume of his creative ingenuity. Speckling the stand are unique lamps – modernized, trendy carvings and designs.

The Jinoish International Limited helmsman, an award winning artist - 23rd recipient of the prestigious Solidra Circle Award (2003), began his research into ethnic light fittings eight years ago.He noted that, the results of his research revealed that, handmade originals are created to promote African art, and its potentials. “My focus is on African Masks, while I am not leaving out using well designed and structured ceramics as well. We have more than 25 different mask based lamps; and we will continue to research various Mask designs with a long term goal of building a collection of lamps that are unique,” he stated.