Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, Founder and Lead Curator of the Thought Pyramid, has said that the opening of the Thought Pyramid in Benin City is not an expansion of his Art Gallery in Abuja, Lagos and Oghara, Delta State, but a ‘homage’ to the rich cultural heritage of Edo State.
Olorogun made the statement during the launch of Thought Pyramid, Nigeria’s premier private Art Gallery, with an exhibition tagged ‘Red Book’, in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
‘We are aligned with the vision set forth by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and aim to be a catalyst for fostering collaborative innovation, driving creative problem-solving, especially within the realm of art’, Olorogun Ajueshi said in an opening remark.
Olorogun further noted thay, “The Red Book exhibition testifies to our commitment, resonating with our mission to celebrate artistic endeavours and contribute to our society’s cultural landscape.”
Edo State Commissioner for Art, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka who represented Governor Obaseki said that the Governor is a lover of Arts.
‘He created the enabling environment for this, and we are delighted to welcome home Edo sons and daughters who have made exploit in Arts and Culture.
“We hope to see more of this in Benin City,” Dr. Oduwa-Malaka said.
Among artists exhibited include the Osogbo Master, Jimoh Buraimoh, who participated in Georgina Beier’s workshop, where he acquired skills in printmaking, painting and the art of inlaying tiles and small beads to create mosaic plaques and tables.
Other artists whose works were exhibited include Abdulsalami Abdulkareem, Ada Osaretin Godspower, Amos Okosun Odion, Ben Osawe, the legendary Bruce Onobrakpeya, Enotie Ogbebor, Fortune Anuforo, Kingsley Obasi, Nelson Okoh, Nosakhare Osadolor, Osaru Obaseki, Oshiame Toni, Pita Ohiwerei, Pius Emorhokpor, Rotimi Akinnire, Usman Semiu Alvin, Sam Ebohon and Tyna Adebowale.
The Thought Pyramid Art Centre is spread right across Nigeria with centres in Abuja FCT, Lagos and Oghara, Delta State.
It has flagship initiatives such as Mentoring Moments, Catch Them Young, Next of Kin, Undiscovered, Artists/Writers Residency, Upcycling and Recycling.
The Benin City Thought Pyramid Centre is located on 33, Aiguobasinwin Street, GRA, Benin City.
The reference by the Edo Commissioner to ‘welcome home Edo sons and daughters who have made exploit in Arts and Culture’, is to Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, who was born and raised in Benin City by a Benin mother and an Urhobo father. He fondly refers to ‘Old Bendel State’s Red City, and Edo as his ‘beloved home’.
