Oge Chikwendu is set to make history in the world of Arts as she’s among the artists to contest at the ‘Final stage of choosing the next professional female Fine Artist in Nigeria.’
The competition organised by United Nations Women in Collaboration with Mydrim Arts Gallery, Ikoyi Lagos will take place from 13th to 15th July, 2022 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Oge Chikwendu isn’t a greenhorn in the creative industry. She was among the contestants for the next female ambassador of arts in the maiden edition of a world-class Arts show sponsored by United Nations Women and co-sponsored by Silver Bird Television held in October, 2021 at Lagos.
She produced a masterpiece for Chief Christopher Ekwenibe, Chairman, Onitsha South Urban mass transit who was trilled by the painting of his late mother and that of him and his wife.
Speaking with our correspondent, Oge Chikwendu said the opportunity means a lot to her as it will help her improve in a great way and thanked Chief Ekwenibe for sponsoring her to the competition.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m not taking it for granted. This competition will also help me to get better in my artistry because I will come with my A-game to come out victorious.
“The show has a theme ‘depicting the current unity situation amongst cultures in Nigeria using paintings and sculptures, so I have painted 7 works and made 3 metal sculptures along these lines.”
“I’m also very grateful to my sponsor, Chief Ekwenibe who’s sponsoring me for this competition. His support is a great source of motivation and I will forever be grateful to him.”
Speaking on what she will do if she wins the competition, Oge Chikwendu said: “I hope to shed more lights on the African woman’s struggles, through arts. I also hope to organize more competitions for women to showcase their works and I’ll lend my voice to speak against discrimination and violence against women.”
UN Women Nigeria explained that the Arts competition show is created to empower young female artists in Nigeria and hand them a platform to showcase their talents to the world. The show is part of a long term project by the United Nations to support Women in Fine Arts and expose Fine Arts as a major source of revenue and tourist attraction for Nigeria.
UN Women is an angle of United Nations that is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the UN Charter, UN Women in Nigeria, among other issues, works for the: “elimination of discrimination against women and girls; achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, peace and security.”
Oge Chikwendu, a native of Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State. She studied and graduated from both the University of Nigeria Nsukka and the Yaba college of technology Lagos. She’s enviously skilled in Painting, Wood/Metal sculpture and unique handmade Art frames.
