Mr Nsikak Essien, a visual artist, has said his art works were aimed at preaching God’s unconditional love for mankind.
He made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of “AGAPE II, A Solo Exhibition of Nsikak Essien” in Abuja.
The artist said, “God loves his children unconditionally.
“I decided to commit my life, creativity and painting in trying to reassure man that God actually loves them and using painting to open their eyes.
“There are things that man will probably overlook about the love of God toward him or her; that’s what my painting is all about.”
On the impact of his painting on man, the former art lecturer of the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu, said some people don’t believe that God loves them.
He explained that because people don’t realise and have the confidence of love of God in their lives, they don’t love other people.
“Such people hate, become tribalistic, bias and fear other people.”
The former lecturer said the starting point of life should be at the realisation that God loves mankind.
He added that “go to the Bible and look at the people that God showed love to; you will realise that their lives change automatically.”
Essien, who said that the economic situation in the country had driven younger artists into survival mode, advised them to “use your arts to be able to make money to survive.
“But the point is that art is not actually a meal ticket, but it can be if an artist decides to make it so.
“But in doing that, it will mean the artist is committing his or herself to another civil service job; that is, to be like an employee doing nine to five job.
“That will be a waste because artists can actually say more with just one art; you can use your art to change the society and even change the way people think.”
He called on younger artists to find a cause to support and make sure they fulfill the mission that God sent them into the world to do through their art.
Essien also commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo for the recent effort that brought together artists in Abuja in an exhibition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “AGAPE II Exhibition” will run for three weeks at the International Institute for Creative Development, Maitama, Abuja.
NAN also reports that Essien’s collection is rich, thought-provoking and revolves around spiritual realities.
Some of his works have been featured in many exhibitions like “The Way”, “Big Bang Reality”, “Love Song/Love Story Series”, “Ultimate love” and many others. (NAN)
