Dak'Artssss cé fantastic

Hi, cannot even beginning to tell the storie of all the happenings so far but the programme for the organised events finished yesterday with the visit to Goree Island and I Am hoping to return as that as another thing in itself overwhelming as it was I need to take down the facts. Many artists have left now and my two friends leave for Nigeria tomorrow. Also have done some great market excertions yesterday Amara and had to run the from the market and the guys trying to take us this way and that. so now some pics. On the way to Goree, Junk Mans work The Face of the City, and works by Lo Ndary I'IFAN MUSEE and some works in national gallery. thats it

more pics

There is a lot more to see there are many galleries ane i have many artists on film thats it today as have to edit pics before puting on blog second pic my breakfast ok

SEE ART LIVE ART

Hi all going more than well so far and now I have pics me at conference on Nigeria and Post Modernism and more........ heres me with Nigeria artists

Safe Arrival - Openings

èth May - I had great journey, hqve settled in hotel a met up with many on my list already plus many more. The Opening Ceremony took place at the National Theatre with much pomp the presdent being present. The first exhition opening was at the Musee I,IFAN and there was a great buzz of excitement, lots to do see and talk about and film I managed a quicky chat on film with Lo Ndagy around his work, make arrangements with other arts to meet up later and got into the swell the work fantastic. Dilomprizulike having a new work in good setting. Met some Gambian artist I know. The programme for the week is full. the eve event for opening day being a tail party this was at the cultural centre outside with dancers andrummers to entertain, her I met Dilom and later we went to a meal together so that was pretty well according to plan. I have some great pics to post later. Yesterday another full programme of openings meetings and excitement and more fantastic work to see, Many great artists are here so is great. I met Amara a Nigerian atist showing in the Dak,Art OFF like the frindge and lunched with her and Bisi a curator from Nigeria whom I met in UK also El Anasui and othere artist so I was a bit bowled over. Last night a fashion show and today more with a conference this afternoon and more gatherings. 8th May Have to post this quick qnd return tomorrow to work out how to do pics. great day yesterday lots today

Irin ajo - Journey and thanks

Pictured artwork ‘Waiting for the Bus’ by the Junk Man of Lagos – one of the selected artists showing in Dak’Art

As I reflect on this momentous occasion just before I travel, and short of a chance to run to the podium and thank everyone that I ever met I thank as follows.

I thank my daughter Esther she is my mum, she is the light of my life. I thank my good friend and mentor Mary Evans. I thank the Arts Council for this award and proving me with my Creative Advisors for this project Zoe Shearman and Raimi Gbadamosi.

I thank Zoe for her hard work, support and advice in helping me achieve this award and Raimi for suggesting a preparatory reading list including, Leopold Sedar Senghor father of Negritude and for taking Aime Cesaire’s notebook off the shelf for me at the Kerry James Marshell exhibition earlier this year. I look forward to their ongoing support. Thanks Debbie Thomas, Arts and Development BCC for helping me achieve this award. I thank all those have met and worked with during my nine years in Bristol they have contributed to an invaluable backdrop to my future as an artist. I thank Folake for the the Calling project a truly inspirational opportunity. I thank everyone I know, good friends and supporters, past and present they have helped shape my life.

The show of 87 Contemporary African artists draw work and artists from all of the African continent and from the diaspora some of the artists where showing in the 'Africa Remix' exhibition at the Hayward gallery which I saw last year. I have seen selected artists on www.dakart.org a very helpful site for my plans. I have started my research into the list of artists and am ready to roll. I fly on 4th May.oooh