Daily Independent (Lagos)
Michael Jegede
6 July 2009
(Page 2 of 2)
Are you trying to say that the current world economic crunch that seems to have brought about recession in most businesses across the globe does not have any negative effect on activities in the visual arts circle?
Of course, I am not only trying to say it, but that is simply the clear and an obvious fact. The visual art business is not being affected by the so-called economic meltdown. Nothing is melting down in the visual arts industry. Rather than experiencing meltdown, what we are experiencing is melt up. If there is any word like that because business in the arts environment is booming particularly in other parts of the world where they have fully appreciated and come to know the true value of art. Our only problem in this country as far as the visual art is concerned is the fact that we have really fathomed the real value of art, which I have hammered on earlier. So, meltdown or no meltdown, visual arts business is flourishing without any encumbrance. In 2008, there were commercial activities to the tune of the N330 billion within the visual arts industry. We came up with that figure tentatively with our collaborating agencies at the last roundtable we had to review activities in the arts sector. But we are working hard to come out very soon with more accurate and precise figures. Even at that, this has at least given us an idea that it is really happening in the visual arts sector. We are sure that by next year we shall have tangible evidence on ground to prove to arts collectors and connoisseurs, and let them know the viability of this sector, so that more players would be willing to join the ship and be part of the visual art investment circle. And of course, the apathy that has been there for long will now change and the visual arts sector will become a place that everybody would want to be.
How has it been combining your job as a DG of an agency like NGA with family affairs?
It is not really easy to combine one's job with family affairs especially at this level that I find myself today. You are so engaged that most times you see yourself not coming back home the time you are supposed to be at home. Also, you see yourself always on one journey or the other within and outside the country, at a time that ordinarily you would wanted to stay with your family and relax with your wife and children. Notwithstanding all these, I try as much as possible to compartmentalise my life in such a manner that I tackle official matters officially in the office without having to bring official work home. That is, I make sure that official issues are dealt with right in the office and when I get home I wear my domestic cloak, and something I even go to the kitchen to assist my wife. I have a lovely, understanding and caring wife that respects my views and of course I respect hers too. And I just see myself working with her in the kitchen even when she may not even want me to. Besides being in the kitchen with my wife, I spend most of time at home in my private arts studio doing my private work, not official. Anything official always ends in the office.
Do you have time to unwind or go to party?
Yes, of course. I am not an introvert. I try as much as possible to blend with people. Although, the time is not just there to go out on a regular basis, some times I have to go out unwinding with the boys. Most times when my friends invite me for their party, I always go and have a nice time. Remember, they say, "All work without play makes jack a dull boy." At times I go out and play with my wife and children.
So, there is no encroachment your job by family affairs?
Well, the fact remains that no matter how you try, there are times that you have some kinds of encroachment on your job by home affairs. But, all the same, one in my own case I have endeavoured to ensure effective management of my official work and responsibility on one hand, and domestic engagement and commitment on the other hand.
Recently, the National Gallery of Arts organised a befitting sent forth programme for the outgoing Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Massimo Baistrocchi, billed to leave the country at the end of this month. What actually informed that gesture from your agency towards the ambassador?
His Excellency, Ambassador Massimo Baistrocchi, for the period of just three years he has spent in Nigeria as the representative of his country here succeeded in proving to us that he is one of the major proponent and great lover of the visual arts. The ambassador, a professional artist of international repute contributed in no small measure to the advancement of the arts sector in our country, so much more that he opened the door of the Italian Embassy to both young and renowned artists to showcase their artworks including myself. He has through that launched most Nigerian artists into limelight and the international scene and market. He has collaborated in various ways with our organisation in its efforts to leave behind an indelible mark in the visual arts industry of our dear country Nigeria. And of course, there is no gainsaying the fact that he truly left behind an indelible mark that for us we wouldn't want him to go. And that was why as part of the events of the sent forth we gave the award of "The Ambassador of Nigerian Visual Arts," the first of its kind since the establishment of our agency. What else could we have done for a man who at his time we enjoined the best relationship, friendship and collaboration that we had never received from any embassy in Nigeria?
Now that the Ambassador is going, will that be the end of your agency's relationship with him?
Not at all! We shall continue to relate with him. Apart from ensuring that we continue to relate with him, we shall also try as much as possible to continue to work with all those things that we learnt from him as an experienced professional artist, who has seen it all in the visual arts industry even though he didn't study arts as a course. Baistrocchi is a political scientist and economist, but today he is known as a writer, poet and even more of an artist. That is to let you know that you don't really have to go and study arts in the university or polytechnic before you can join the field and make your cool and good dough. You can thrive in the arts industry if you have the right zeal and passion.
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