Future of Nigerian textile is bright if indigenous technologies are developed -Don

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Dr Adeniyi Adediran, former Head Of Department of Fine And Applied Arts, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, says the future of Nigerian textile is bright and enterprising if indigenous technologies are developed.

Adediran made the remark on Thursday at Ibadan Textile Fair, 2023, organised by Blackul Heritage Studios in collaboration with National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.

The programme with the theme "Nigerian Arts and Textiles Yesterday, Today and Future", was held at the National Museum of Unity Ibadan.

According to Adediran, the present challenges the Nigerian textile faced from Asian countries should be considered as source of strength. 

This, he said could be translated into development of our indigenous technologies and expansion of our creativities to compete favourably in the international market. 

"Time is ripe to strengthen and intensify a sustainable synergy among textile related professionals, designers, technologists, artists, and manufacturers. 

"There should be exploration of culturally-motivated designs in all facets of textile productions which include among others spinning, weaving, printing, dyeing, fashion designing, garment making, embroidery, monogramming and other textile accessories to distinguish themselves in the global market. 

"It is very paramount for our textile art and artworks to focus on varied interests such as social classes, the military, the political class, civilians, the royalty, students, professionals and artisans," he said.

 

The Curator, National Museum Of Unity, Ibadan, Mrs Pamela Otuka says textile art is one of the oldest forms of art in human civilization, as it focuses more on practical purposes such as Clothing or blankets to keep warm.

Otuka said though Clothe weaving had been in existence since the Pre historic times in Nigeria, it came into being when the earliest man discarded the use of leaves and animal skin to cover his nakedness.

"We come into contact with textile art everyday. From the clothes we wear to the objects that decorates our home , it is an art that is not only beautiful aside from the aesthetics but also a victory on how a man metamorphosis from one stage of life to another.

"The Texart fair exhibition of contemporary Art comprises of a group of exhibition of some Nigeria artists residing in the South West of Nigeria.

"As a professional Curator with decades of experience in the cultural sector with regular interactions with contemporary artists within and outside Nigeria. I can assure the viewers that they are in for a beautiful time," she said.

 Also, the Convener of the Fair, Mr Wale Asubiojo, (Black Heritage Studious) says arts, indigenous crafts and other related artefacts are our heritage that cannot be overlooked if their values can be evaluated in terms of generating income to the federal revenue. 

According to him, Nigeria’s focus on natural gas, crude oil, etc  shifted all attention from local / indigenous crafts. 

This, he added contributed to a serious derogation of these indigenous crafts ranging from textile works (Tie dye, batiks, cloth weaving, print, etc) wood cravings, bronze works, among others.

"These in turn if given proper attention will surely contribute to the national economic growth in the global market aside other sectors.

"Our focus on this maiden edition of Texart fair is a very simple one which is to attract the attention of the international communities to the art market thereby making this event a laudable and credible one as people will yearn for this annually. 

"The contribution of all the committee members and the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan has shown that this maiden edition is a successful one and will generate profits for every participants who have made it to be part of this credible art market. 

"We have been able to make a lot of efforts in making this market remain the best of which many visual artists, craftsmen and women, tools makers, art lovers, art collectors and many others will meet to transact businesses and take it to the next level.

 "Promoting art is not an easy task. It is quite understandable that the government cannot provide all the facilities needed but they must tend to support wonderful projects such as this-TEXART FAIR, a credible art market including the private sectors by investing in art and our indigenous crafts in Nigeria," he said.

Asubiojo further emphasised that Texart fair was created to encourage the makers of crafts and at the same time bring together buyers to a meeting point where business, money and materials could be exchanged for posterity.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Mrs Aizehinomo Ezomo-Ajiwe, remarks that Texart festival actively seeks to represent a spectrum of voices, ensuring that the underrepresented artists find a spotlight, also creating a platform where emerging talents can flourish.

She added that it was also to nurture the next generation of artists through mentorship programmes, educational initiatives and youth focused activities.

"Let us remember that art has the power to transcend boundaries, ignite passions and unite us. 

"We are grateful to the various artists who have poured out their souls into this vibrant festival of expression which not only showcases the richness of human creativity but also serves as a catalyst for the continued evolution of artistic endeavors.

"I wish you all a wonderful time as you bask in the euphoria of Texart," Ezomo-Ajiwe, said.

The highlight of the event was exhibition of different indigenous textiles and art crafts.