Nike Art Gallery
On Sunday, March 7, 2010, we went to the gallery of the artist Nike Okundaye. Nike greeted us with a very warm and inviting welcome. The gallery was huge, white walls and several floors filled with very colorful and amazing art works of many artists. There were tons of paintings but there was also furniture, jewelry, fabrics, clothing, sculptures, beaded art work and the list goes on! As a visual artist, it was truly inspiring to be there and see the many ways each of the artists expressed themselves. The textures, vibrant colors, sand, beading, metal, so many elements included in each of the works! The way the fabrics were dyed and just the intricate detailing of how everything came together showed the deep passion and heart of every piece of work in the gallery. I was happy that those artists have a home to house their work for all to see and an advocate like Nike who can aid in their growth and development.
Inside the Nike Art Gallery
Oil painting on canvas
After viewing the gallery we sat down to talk with Nike and her husband. She had a spread of teas, coke, water, wine, and coffee for us to enjoy ourselves. She wanted us to feel like we were home. She also wanted to give each of us Nigerian names, which i was also very excited about!! Before she gave us our names, some other guests were entering the gallery and she stepped away for a minute to speak with them. At this time, her husband wanted to tell us more about Nike and the gallery. It was a blessing to hear him speak about the work of his wife and the testimony of her life. It was just confirmation for me that everything we do and go through, whether good or bad, with time will be a blessing to all!! God works out all things in the end, for our good!!
Learning the craft of dyeing
When Nike came back she gave us our names, each name fit us well and made us all smile!! After that, we all remembered some things in the gallery that really spoke to us that we wanted to buy. We were very excited and happy about our purchases and most importantly visiting the gallery of this amazing artist, Nike!! It was a great blessing!
EVIDENCE with Nike Okundaye and US Consulate
-Francine Ott
I'm an American expat living in Lagos and I thoroughly enjoyed your performance! Thank you so much for taking the time and dealing with the hassles of coming to Nigeria! I'm also glad you made it out to Nike's gallery. She's a wonderful person and talent and her gallery is a great space to view the richness of art here in Lagos.
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