By Daruwana Daku
For Miss Yvonne-Mary Ekeoma, her excruciating four years of hard work, experimentation, joy and frustration in putting different pieces of art together, came to reality on Friday, May 10, 2024, as her artistic brand, Ekefyn Art Global Concepts, held her first ever solo art exhibition, “The Suspension of Disbelief” at Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The art exhibition which coincided with the 17th Memorial Lecture of the Seminary, began with a Holy Mass that was presided by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.
His Lordship, while delivering his homily, commended Miss Ekeoma, whom he described as a lady that had traversed different parts which included being an educator, as well as an artist.
Even while he harped on the need to always encourage young artists, the Bishop also recounted what he described as the resilience, diligence and ingenuity of Miss Ekeoma, and acknowledged the artist’s hard work over the years, culminating in the solo art exhibition.
The Bishop also added that the artist who holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business Education, with a major in Accounting from Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, had earned international recognition through her art from the Hitch-Canada Award.
Known for creating traditional and culture related tales, Miss Ekeoma showcased over 50 work of arts all created by her.
The art exhibition which lasted for two days (May 10-12, 2024) received greater attention by the seminary community and lovers of art.
For her part, the artist said her artistic journey began in her undergraduate days where her drawings were discovered by her friend who felt her sketches were good enough for a professional artist.
According to her, the discovery by her friend triggered a more intense desire in her to enroll for further professional trainings where she met a lot of artists who had shaped her to become whom she was.
The artist also thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for giving her the privilege of beginning her professional career as artists with her foundation as a Catholic which she held dear to.
She further appreciated the Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr Dr. Cyril Udebuebunu; the Head of Department of Philosophy, Rev. Fr Felix Akamunye; Dr. Ratzinger Nwobodo; former MD of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Uche Nworah; her parents and many others for making the solo exhibition a reality.
Miss Ekeoma is a visual artist who hails from Umuakah in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
She is a well-known artist that uses oil and acrylic paints, pencils and biro to explore the rich, historic Nigerian Culture.
She has over 50 paintings, drawings and pencil sketches to her catalogue.
Some of her works include: As old as man; Rhapsody in blues; Pope Francis; Pride of Africa; Language of expression; Unity in diversity; Child abuse; Rumbling in Delta; Behind hidden culture, amongst others.
While speaking with Fides, the artist alluded to her passion and dreams as being the precursor to the growth she had achieved in her career. She also called on young people, particularly girls, to always believe in their dreams, noting these dreams were achievable.
Highlights of the Art Exhibition included presentation of Pope John Paul II paint drawing to the Seminary, art expose, and group photographs.
