Art industry to receive boost with international exhibition

The art industry in Ghana is set to receive a major boost with an internationally recognized exhibition dubbed The Kaleidescope, Leeni Ojaniemi has said.

The exhibition will bring together both the old and contemporary art works in the country on one platform to showcase the showpieces of art works done by Ghanaian artist in obscure corners – works which had not received the attention, recognition and praise they rightly deserve.

Managing Director of Ghana Contemporary, the organisers, Leeni Ojaniemi said the purpose of the Kaleidescope is to expose the artists and their works to Ghanaians as well as to international art collectors.

Ms Ojaniemi believes this will not only empower the artists economically and encourage them to produce more, but also show to the world the great artistry of Ghanaian artists.

She said the works of artists sum up the hopes, aspirations, fears, and the problems of the society. Art works therefore are the eyes through which the society views itself and how foreigners see the people.

The importance of the Kaleidescope laid in the fact that African art was beginning to take centre stage in world art, she noted, and stressed that it was important for Ghanaian artists to be placed appropriately to enable them tap into the market.

The exhibition, scheduled to come off at the La Villa Boutique Hotel, Osu, will see the works of eight talented artists - Larry Otoo, Wiz Kudowor, Jeremiah Quarshie, Kwame Osa, Nyornuwofia Agorsor, Kofi Agorsor, Rikki Wemega-Kwahu and Kobina Nyarko displayed.

The Chairman of Euro Star Limousines, providers of limousine rental services who are supporting the exhibition, said the desire of Ghana Contemporary raise the level of the local art industry chimed perfectly with his own desire to support and promote Ghanaian ingenuity.

Mr. Oscar Yao Doe told journalists he would not only patronize some of the works but also ensure that his international business partners who have unyielding taste for art works, appreciate and patronize Ghanaian art.