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| Mrs Nike Okundaye, Founder, Nike Art and Cultural Foundation(fourth from left, sitting) and her husband, in a group photograph with discussants and guests; Mrs Opral Benson( second left, sitting) and Former American Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders. |
Debby with Queen Ahneva Ahneva
The 2013 edition of the roundtable symposium organised
by the Nike Art and Cultural Foundation held on Dec. 15 at the Nike Art Gallery.
by the Nike Art and Cultural Foundation held on Dec. 15 at the Nike Art Gallery.
The symposium, which was titled ‘Tradition and
Communication in Modern Art’ had a team
of discussants who had critical analysis of sub-themes which formed parts of the major title of the discussion.
Communication in Modern Art’ had a team
of discussants who had critical analysis of sub-themes which formed parts of the major title of the discussion.
The discussion was initiated three years ago as a
contribution of the Nike Art and Cultural Foundation to set agenda in the arts
to highlight relevant issues that concern art development in Nigeria.
contribution of the Nike Art and Cultural Foundation to set agenda in the arts
to highlight relevant issues that concern art development in Nigeria.
In this regard, the sub-themes of the symposium took a
critical look at issues under ‘Impact of Tradition and Communication on Society;
‘Conflicts in Western Religion and Tradition,’ and ‘Sustenance of Our Rich Heritage.’
critical look at issues under ‘Impact of Tradition and Communication on Society;
‘Conflicts in Western Religion and Tradition,’ and ‘Sustenance of Our Rich Heritage.’
The commentators included artist and art writer, Chuka
Nnabuife, public affairs commentator and social critic, Dan Aloh and African heritage
crusader, Queen Ahneva Ahneva, and it was moderated by Emmanuel Agozino.
Nnabuife, public affairs commentator and social critic, Dan Aloh and African heritage
crusader, Queen Ahneva Ahneva, and it was moderated by Emmanuel Agozino.
They looked at issues that analysed the importance of marking
the progress of art ( Nike’s art
progress was cited as an example) and noted that it was necessary to follow works of
art that express cultural history with something to leave with the people.
the progress of art ( Nike’s art
progress was cited as an example) and noted that it was necessary to follow works of
art that express cultural history with something to leave with the people.
Queen Ahneva Ahneva expressed a passion for African heritage
through fashion styles which are original to Africa. She has been
identified with the slogan ‘ When you wear your heritage, you wear your crown.’
through fashion styles which are original to Africa. She has been
identified with the slogan ‘ When you wear your heritage, you wear your crown.’
She shared her wonderful experience of how she was
able to make an African statement of originality through fashionable wears
created from choice African fabrics. She
made it known that African fashion clothing showcased a rich cultural heritage
and not just a costume as many people had erroneously thought.
able to make an African statement of originality through fashionable wears
created from choice African fabrics. She
made it known that African fashion clothing showcased a rich cultural heritage
and not just a costume as many people had erroneously thought.
Notably, she has traveled to different African
countries and created remarkable fashion designs using a combination of African
textiles and design motifs.
countries and created remarkable fashion designs using a combination of African
textiles and design motifs.
She has also made
a distinctive mark with her Broadway-style
fashion show tagged ‘ Fashion Heritage- The cultural connection,’ a show
that has enjoyed a fantastic
reception among fashion lovers across several African countries and in the
United States of America.
a distinctive mark with her Broadway-style
fashion show tagged ‘ Fashion Heritage- The cultural connection,’ a show
that has enjoyed a fantastic
reception among fashion lovers across several African countries and in the
United States of America.
For Queen Ahneva Ahneva, home is not only Chicago,
Illinois, her heart loves Africa dearly and that is why in 2007 she relocated
her business operations to the fashion-savvy, bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria.
Illinois, her heart loves Africa dearly and that is why in 2007 she relocated
her business operations to the fashion-savvy, bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria.
