Concerned about the declining attention given to drawing within contemporary art practice, artists and stakeholders have called for renewed focus on the medium, describing it as the foundation of artistic expression and a critical tool for creative development.
The call formed the highlight of a two-day drawing workshop organised by Gemini Art Gallery and held at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, where over 14 facilitators and more than 100 participants gathered to explore and strengthen drawing skills.
Chief Executive Officer of the gallery and host of the workshop, Akinnire Raphael Olawale, said the initiative was driven by the need to give drawing more visibility, noting that it is often overlooked despite its presence in many artworks.
He described the workshop as a documentation of the primary aspect of art, explaining that it also serves as a space for artists, collectors and enthusiasts to express their visual perspectives. “The gap this project is filling is to encourage the young ones, even the old ones, to engage themselves in drawing and to give life to what drawing is all about.”
According to him, facilitators were selected based on the depth of their work and creative process rather than popularity, in line with the workshop’s goal of promoting the true essence of drawing. He added that the platform was designed to build confidence among artists and encourage them to engage more intentionally with the medium.
He expressed concern over the perception of artworks on paper, which he said are often undervalued compared to works on canvas. “A lot of people respect works on canvas more than works on paper, but many works on paper are actually stronger,” he added.
On art education, Olawale said Nigeria is under-investing in the sector, pointing to the lack of encouragement for art in primary and secondary schools.
He noted that the provision of free drawing materials at the workshop was part of efforts to support participation and deepen interest in art.
“We are creating awareness because awareness is what brings value. When people see it, they realise it is worth doing,” he said, adding that engaging young people in art could help steer them away from crime and other social vices.
President, Guild of Professional Fine Artists (GFA), Duke Asidere, described drawing as the backbone of all creative work.
“The foundation of every creative enterprise is in drawing. For me, drawing is like a diary,” he said, explaining that it allows artists to document ideas and experiences. He urged participants to focus on practice rather than titles, stressing that artistic recognition should come from others and not be self-assigned, while encouraging artists to set aside labels and fully engage in their work by freely exploring different materials and approaches.
Also speaking, a renowned artist, Abiodun Olaku warned that drawing is gradually losing its place within the broader art landscape.
He described drawing both as a process and a finished form, stressing that it remains a vital means of self-expression.
“Drawing can be a road to a destination and also a destination in itself,” he said, noting that artistic ability can either be developed over time or discovered through lived experiences.
Reflecting on his career, Olaku said his journey into art was not planned but evolved through continuous engagement and exposure. He recalled encounters with historic drawings preserved over centuries, which reinforced the enduring value of the medium.
He urged artists to preserve their works, noting that their worth goes beyond financial returns. “Value is not always tied to money. There are other measures of value in your work,” he said.
The workshop, which featured live models and interactive sessions, is expected to continue beyond its first phase, as organisers expressed commitment to sustaining the initiative and expanding opportunities for artistic engagement.
