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Momodou
Denmark
11829 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Jun 2007 : 13:37:55
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"BREAKING THE BARRIERS" ART EXHIBITION
A Scenario Of Fertile Imagination
By Baboucarr Ceesay
Three erudite and dynamic professional Gambian artists, Malick Ceesay, Michael Kuna Manga and Moulaye Sarr, in collaboration with the African Art Gallery, mounted an exotically inspiring arts exhibition at African Art Gallery in Senegambia Beach Hotel on Friday 15 June 2007. The exhibition with the theme "Breaking the Barriers" attracted art lovers, tourists and artists alike.
Madam Anna Braren of the African Art Gallery and organiser of the exhibition said the African Art Gallery has been existing for more than a year now. She said the establishment of the gallery came in the wake of a dire need to expose the talents of artists. She said the gallery exhibits works of various West African artists.
She intimated that Gambian artists need support and positive exposure. "If Gambian artists are supported, that will galvanise their efforts in contributing their quota to the development of their country," said Anna. She opined that Gambians should appreciate and develop interest in the works of their indigenous talented artists as their immediate neighbours, Senegal, where even ordinary citizens buy art works of their artists.
Mr. Malick Ceesay a self taught Gambian professional artist, celebrated for his proficiency in painting and sculpture, said this joint exhibition is meant to grease their muscles as artists. "A lot of practice and consistency is what comes first for me in arts," said Malick.
Malick was born, brought up and schooled in The Gambia. He started the art at a tender age and after completing his high school he decided to take it up as a career. He became a member of The Gambia Black Arts Club in 1983. In 1998 he joined Arts Xchange and Society of Gambian Sculptors in 2003. Ceesay participated in both national and international exhibitions.
Mr. Michael Kuna Manga, a painter who developed interest in arts in his infancy when drawing and painting used to be great fun for kids. "I read arts in school and I became inspired by great painters of the renaissance period," Said Manga.
Manga participated in several exhibitions which enabled him to grow artistically. He added that he is further inspired by his environment as a member of a multi-cultural society.
As an artist, Kuna believes there will be lasting peace when the people of diverse cultures begin to appreciate and respect each other. "I want to use my art to promote African culture and tradition," he said.
Mr. Moulaye Sarr is another painter from the younger generation of Gambian artists whose artistic life started with drawing cartoons and sketches while still in primary school. His artistic talent at an early age exposed him by interacting with artists both at home and neighbouring Senegal. Sarr spent seven years in Senegal as a young man. He practiced and trained with professional artists and finally returned to his motherland.
His works use a variety of artistic media although most of his works are two-dimensional abstract forms in acrylic on canvas. He is also a talented portrait painter, working with pencil, charcoal, using sand and textile design.
The exhibition is free entrance, open for public view at the African Art Gallery, Senegamgia Beach Hotel (up stairs) above the reception. The exhibition runs from 15 to 30 June 2007.
Source:
Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 70/2007, 18 - 19 June, 2007
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