Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO) says Prof El Anatsui, a renowned Artist will continue to be an inspiration to upcoming artists and future generations
Okonjo-Iweala said this in Nsukka on Wednesday in a message she sent during the unveiling of a book “The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting” edited in honour of Anatsui by Associate Professor Greg Mbarjiorgu and Chikaogwu Kanu of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
She said Anatsui, as giant of Fine and Applied Art has continued to use his creativity and innovation to earn respect and recognition globally.
“Because of his immense contributions in the world of art he has become an inspiration to upcoming artists and future generations.
“It is an absolute to me, to write a tribute to this living legend, respected and admired globally,”, she said.
The DG of WTO whose message was read by Justice Peter Umeadi (Rtd), said Anatsui who is from Ghana could have decided to work in any part of the world but choose to domiciled in University of Nigeria Nsukka to share this creativity and innovation.
“The renowned Artist uses discarded wood, copper, wire, bottle caps to create his masterpiece, that have adorned art galleries and museums in many countries of the world.
“I love his work, I am the owner of his masterpiece “Coins Again”.
“His art masterpiece represent more integrated continent and dynamic Africa we owe our children and grandchildren,” the DG said.
In a remark, Prof Simon Ortuanya, the Vice-chancellor of UNN, represented by Deputy Vice-chancellor Administration, Prof Micheal Onyia described Anatsui as renowned global artist and one of the brightest academics of the university.
“His artistic work have adorned international libraries, galleries, museums, offices, institutions and private homes.
According to the VC, Anatsui joined the service of UNN in 1970s and through hard work and ingenuity rose to rank of a professor
Anatsui has won so many international awards and prizes in his chosen field of Fine and Applied thereby bringing a lot of visibility to UNN and contributing immensely to the reputation of our institution as international university.
“His achievements should serve as a source of inspiration to all of us both old and young academics,”the VC said.
In a remark, His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha who chaired the occasion said the event was not only to launch a book but to celebrate EI Anatsui a renowned Artist who transformed ordinary discarded materials to ensuring and admiring symbols.
“His creativity and innovation has made him popular and an icon in galleries and museums all over the world.
“I am more excited that the celebration of El Anatsui is in UNN, the university founded by late Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, a Nationalist and the first President of Nigeria.
“UNN has nurtured great thinkers, nation builders, innovators and world class respected artist like Anatsui,” he said.
Speaking the Lead Editor of the book Associate Prof Greg Mbajiorgu said he considered it a rare privilege that Anatsui found him and Chikaogwu Kanu worthy to edit the book “The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting”.
“I don’t see this as celebration of our efforts but celebration of community efforts.
“Kwame Nkrumah University Ghana
has informed me that this book will also be launched at Kwame Nkrumah University Ghana
where Anatsui obtained his first degree certificate.
“I say thank you to all of you who travelled from far and near to witness this landmark event as well as all who contributed in one way or the other to make the unveiling of this book a huge success,” Mbajiorgu said.
Speaking, Prof.C. Nnamchi, the President, UNN Senior Staff Club whose club organized the event in collaboration with the 80th Birthday Book Committee, said the legend Anatsui is a bonafide member of the club and has been contributing immensely to the progress of the club.
“UNN Senior Staff Club is happy to be part of this milestone celebration of Anatsui whose works of creativity are celebrated in every part of the world,” he said.
Reviewing the book, Prof Chris Agbedo described the book as intellectual archive that document the life, education, mentorship and global influence of one of African contemporary celebrited sculpture
who uses discarded materials and bottle caps to produce objects that adorned international galleries and museums.
Agbedo said the content of the 411-page book shown Anatsui as an icon of University of Nigeria Nsukka and a distinguished academic ambassador who carried intellectual signature of UNN into world class libraries, galleries and museums through his artistic creativity and innovations.
Responding, Anatsui expressed appreciation and gratitude to editors of the book, UNN Senior Staff Club who collaborated with Anatsui’s 80th Birthday Book Committee to organize the event, the university community as well as guests who travelled from all walks of life to witness the book unveiling.
“I am humbled and overwhelmed on this honour and recognition to me while alive, I will forever remain grateful to UNN and Nigeria,”he said.
Anatsui who is from Ghana, sent message to the organizers of the event, expressing regret on his inability to be physically present in the event because of unavoidable circumstances.
Our correspondent reports that, the event was well attended by UNN university community as well as guests across the country.