Access Bank Announces Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola as 2018 Art X Prize Winner …Wigwe Foresees Greatness in Emerging Nigerian Talents

Segun Atanda/

Winner of 2018 Access Bank sponsored Art Competition, ART X Prize, has been announced by the organizers.

 

The prize consisting of a grant of N1, 000, 000 and a solo presentation at the ART X Lagos art fair this November, was awarded to Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola.

 

According to a statement sent to NewsmakersNG, the organizers say Aderemi-Ibitola’s project, “Scraps from Mama’s Floor” was selected from three finalists by the panel of judges.

 

The statement reads in part: We are delighted to announce that on Wednesday, June 27th, the 2018 ART X Prize with Access consisting of a grant of N1, 000, 000 and a solo presentation at the ART X Lagos art fair this November, was awarded to Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola. Her project, “Scraps from Mama’s Floor”was selected from three finalists by our panel of judges.

“At ART X we are proud to continue supporting emerging Nigerian artists and deepening our positive engagement with the African and African Diasporan art community through our annual art fair and endeavors such as the ART X Prize with Access. We are grateful to our partner Access Bank whose wholehearted cooperation made this year’s Prize possible and whose deep commitment to the Nigerian art sector is reflected in their 3 years of participation.

 

“We also remain thankful to our highly esteemed panel of judges, renowned authorities from the contemporary art world including; Yinka Shonibare MBE, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, Wura Natasha Ogunji, Sokari Douglas Camp CBE and Oliver Enwonwu; for taking time out of crowded schedules to give us their attention and the benefit of their invaluable experience.

 

“In conclusion, we thank all applicants to the Prize, members of the local art community and of course you, our patrons, and hope you will stay with us as we turn our resources towards preparations for November’s art fair. Be sure to check our social media accounts and our website at www.artxlagos.com for continuing updates.”

The Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe has this to say: “At Access Bank, beyond our vast collection of established artists, we believe that we are also responsible for empowering emerging artists. This is why we continue to support the Art X Prize – to celebrate the ingenuity of Nigeria’s emerging art talent. I can see the recipient of the Art X Prize with Access being the next great artist of our time, endowing us with the potential and privilege to shape the most relevant art that will come out of the African continent.”

 

“Scraps from Mama’s Floor” by Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola

 

Aderemi-Ibitola was described as a trans-disciplinary artist working primarily in time based art, interactivity and performance. Along with her artistic practice, Bolatito also works as a devised theatre practitioner, performance studies scholar and teaching artist. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she immigrated to the United States in 2000. She returned to Nigeria in 2014 where she is now living and working. Bolatito earned her Masters in Performances Studies from Tisch School of the Performing Arts, New York University and holds a Bachelors in Communication Arts with a focus in Television/Film Production and a minor in Political Science from Allegheny College.

 

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