Gani Odutokun, in whose memory this foundation is established, loved to carry people along, as he developed his career as an artist. He taught painting, drawing, design and theory of art. He was known to have initiated, collaborated and was involved in public art projects in major places in Nigeria. He founded The Eye Society and The Eye journal, which was the first of its kind in Africa; to promote professional and intellectual discourses in art and design. As a teacher of Fine Art, his amicable character, quiet passion, love for people and sheer genius in his craft, attracted people to him. The love, commitment and respect with which he practiced art, has much to be leant from. His passing, on February 15th 1995, meant he had about 29 years of professional art practice. Within this time, he created an accomplished amount of artworks and works of design, in the areas of Painting, Drawing, Graphics, Illustration, Sculpture, Architecture and Costume Designing. He explored many new possibilities in Art and related fields and brought them to life with grace and fine finish. It is clear that Gani had much more to say and do, through his art. We believe that despite his absence, he left enough and more, for all he did and influenced through his art, to continue to resound, impact and evolve. This is the reason that his family has nurtured the idea of setting up a foundation in his honour for many years.
Investing in the preservation of Gani’s art and ideas, would be contributing to the building of a time device of history and future of modern art- made of lines; made of colour; made of heart, founded on the ideas of an artist who recognised, and embraced the constantly evolving dynamism that life is.
To encourage the study of Gani’s works and further explorations of his ideas, into new dimensions, for progressive discoveries and breakthroughs - not just in the field of Art, but in all applicable fields of endeavour.
The foundation also aims to assist young artists, who have dreams of a career in Art, but limited financial means of having one.
Gani was deeply empathetic and driven to help people how ever he could, especially by using his voice as a much respected artist. His relationships with family, friends and even people he barely knew, was reflective of this. Staying true to what most people who experienced Gani come to realise was his essence, the Foundation’s charitable projects will centre on encouraging the promotion of creative endeavours that advance the best of human life.
Investing in the preservation of Gani’s art and ideas, would be contributing to the building of a time device of history and future of modern art- made of lines; made of colour; made of heart, founded on the ideas of an artist who recognised, and embraced the constantly evolving dynamism that life is.
