Hazi’s Art, an arm of Maritime TV Africa, says it is keen to showcase the potential and beauty of the African maritime industry.
The Chief Executive Officers (CEO), Media Traction Ltd., promoters of Maritime TV Africa, Mrs Ezinne Azunna, said the organisation would do this through the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE).
Azunna said exhibition would use images, artistic impression, painting, drawing, digitised photography, textile print and sculpture.
In a statement in Lagos on Thurday, Azunna, who is also the Lead Curator of AMAE, said the maiden edition of the exhibition would hold on Oct. 29 in Lagos.
She said the exhibition was aimed at pushing the maritime industry agenda by telling Africa’s marine/maritime story.
“From the ports and jetties to ships and the sea, rivers and estuaries, coastal communities, beach scenes, seafaring, marine life and science, seascapes and all art, tell the story of various eras in Africa as a maritime continent.
“We will showcase policy drives by organisations, campaigns and causes on sea piracy, hope spots, marine plastics, marine environment, search and rescue, oil spillage and climate change.
“Also to be showcased are women in maritime, research and marine investigations, and international convention for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS)1974, to mention but a few,” Azunna said.
She said AMAE was important because of the aesthetic and semiotic value it would bring to the maritime sector, highlighting it as critical to national existence and economic advancement.
“It portrays history as well as ongoing efforts/developments and current policies.
“If a maritime painting or print interests someone, that person is one step closer to learning about the industry, its history and will appreciate our maritime heritage better,” she said.
The lead curator said although marine/maritime art was still very vague in Africa, history dated the sea before human creation, while marine art only began towards the end of the Middle Age.
“It will frame the sea as an enduring source of opportunity, economic advantage, creativity and innovation, and a sad peril if ignored.
“Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Mr Mu’azu Sambo, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, professor of maritime history, will chair the event.
