The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, at the Opening Ceremony of the Art and Design Exhibition, has iterated the need for stakeholders to critically look into the Art and Creative Industry. He said the industry is one that is often overlooked when it comes to investment despite its crucial role in the economic development of a country.
Touching on the theme for this year’s 5th edition of the Faculty of Art and Retro Fusion, he indicated that one of the most interesting things about art is its cyclical nature regards time. “It is through art that we are able to visibly appreciate what happened in time past. Sometimes, we see some fashion and design that were en vogue in the 80s and 70s, but with a slight turn around” he said.
This phenomena in itself have a certain challenge for us because the recurrence and revamping of past art are philosophical. He added that one cannot have a clearer view of the future if they have no knowledge of the history.
“Like the proverbial bird, Sankofa, it is very instructive that we re-visit the history to salvage some nuggets that will shape the present and serve as guide to a better and more informed future. This is how progress is made in life. Therefore, there could not be a better theme, than Retro Fusion”, he concluded.
In his welcome statement of the opening ceremony for the 5th Faculty of Art and Design Week Celebration, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Richard Gbadegbe said the faculty continues to see improvement which is evident in the quality of works on exhibition. According to him, the inspiration behind the theme is to introduce the present generation to the aesthetics of the past and challenge them to blend it with the art of today. He announced activities lined up for the celebration of the week, emphasizing that the exhibition and celebrations will be climaxed on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the G. M. Afeti Auditorium.
Cutting the tape with Management and Faculty members to officially commence the celebration, the Vice-Chancellor called on all players in the industry to continue in investing in the trade and to continually seek improvement through research, innovation for a more sustainable development.
On behalf of the Faculty, Dr. Gbadegbe presented two fabrics as gifts to the Vice-Chancellor; one, with the picture of the VC while the other was designed with the University’s logo.
Expressing his joy for the thoughtful gesture, Prof. Honyenuga said that the practical and hands-on-skill that Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) present should be the source of pride for both students as sustainable development revolves around TVET.
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