NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
October 11, 2011
Winnipeg, MB – CNIB is pleased to announce a very special gift of mosaic
artwork from world-renowned local artist, Yisa Akinbolaji. The Nigerian-born
visual artist donated his unique work of art,
mosaic is valued at $25,000 and is made of 10,080 glass tiles using 42 brilliant
colours.
Describing why this particular masterpiece was chosen for the CNIB, Yisa
states, “The colours evoke celebration and inclusion.” The entire project took
more than 5 months to complete. Termed a study in patterned elegance with its
stylized peace dove, the Chinese character for prosperity and a star among
other elements, the colours unleash the mystery of hope, peace and joy. It will
be officially unveiled to CNIB at a private reception Monday, October 17.
CNIB Manitoba-Saskatchewan Division Executive Director, Delcy-Ann Selymes
praises, “This is a wonderful example of local community artists giving back to
their community. This large tactile mosaic artwork will allow blind or partially
sighted individuals to conceptualize the message Yisa evokes in
Purpose
Along with unveiling this wonderful gift, CNIB will be showcasing Yisa’s brand
new collection
displayed for all citizens to enjoy at the Gupta Centre (1080 Portage Avenue) in
Winnipeg from Tuesday, October 18 to Friday, October 21.
Yisa Akinbolaji, M.F.A, is a full-time visual artist based in Winnipeg and currently
a member of the Manitoba Arts Council. Since his first art exhibition at the
National Museum in Lagos, Nigeria in 1985, Yisa’s work has gone on to be
exhibited internationally. In 1993, while still in Nigeria, Yisa developed his
innovative “layering and revealing” technique of painting. Before coming to
Canada in 1997, Yisa was valued for his public installation and mosaic works.
He was recognized as a leading Nigerian artist with is work and biography
included in
Bernice Kelly and Janet L. Stanley of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. Most
recently, Yisa’s work has been published in the
and Still Life Artists, Vol.1
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support,
knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially
sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life.
CNIB also work hand-in-hand with Canadians who are blind or partially sighted
to advocate for a barrier-free society and strive to eliminate avoidable sight loss
with world-class research and by promoting the importance of vision health
through public education.
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For more information, please contact:
Wanda Mills
Associate Director, Corporate & Community Development
Peace and Purpose to CNIB. ThePeace andto provide a challenge for all to see beauty.”Unconventional. The free exhibition of the textural art will beNigerian Artists: A Who’s Who and Bibliography (1993) byBest of Worldwide Abstract.wanda.mills@cnib.ca
204-789-0950
Malinda Lee
Communications Consultant
malinda@mts.net
204-228-7892
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