Chimfeka Ogbo, a student of the African Leadership Academy, showcased his art installation at the Maryland Mall in an event put together by Children and the Environment (CATE) initiative.
Chimfeka is a founding member of the CATE Creativity Green Club, a not-for-profit which promotes environmental issues among young people through the Creative Arts. He explained that the inspiration to create the work came from his entrepreneurial leadership class which pushed him to work on an art piece entitled “The African Nonagon” as a Summer school project. Africa is a land of values and morals, a place of creativity and wonders. If you have any doubt about these things, a glance at the genius work of art by 17-year-old Chimfeka Ogbo would definitely make you a believer.
The African Nonagon connects the different values that make Africa a proud and great place. The art depicts nine African values; Wisdom, Peace and Harmony, Africanism, Curiosity, Unity in Diversity, The Supremacy of God, Courage, Humility and Strength. The project was created using the Adinkra symbol mostly. The Adinkra symbols are believed to have their origin from Gyaman, a former kingdom in present-day Cote D’ Ivoire. The Adinkra are used extensively in fabrics and pottery and also architecture among the Akans of Ghana and Cote D’ Ivoire. The artist revealed he had been consciously creating art for the past 10 years. He noted the experience of not being able to communicate with his art as the biggest fear he harbours as an artist. He also expressed concern about the level of appreciation accorded works of art in Nigeria and appealed to organisations and government to provide support for creative artists and their art. With creative young minds such as Chimfeka Ogbo who is willing to preserve and communicate Africa’s values and creativity through his works, there is indeed hope for our dear country, Nigeria.
