19-year-old Nigerian medical student Emediong Uduak Uko’s painting of music legend, ‘Lagbaja’ has become the first African work to be displayed at the Cyprus Modern Art Museum.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emediong is also the youngest artist and only African to have her work exhibited at museum, which is the largest in the Mediterranean region.
The excited artist shared the news on her Instagram page @Emilyuko where she further revealed that her painting is now in the possession of Forbes-listed Cypriot businessman, Suat Günsel.
Emediong explained in her social media post that she dedicated her painting to iconic faceless singer, Lagbaja because he inspired a culture and created both war and peace with his passion.
She wrote, “I’m pleased to announce to the general public that my artwork is now a part of the vast collection of the Cyprus Modern Art Museum!
“This is the largest museum in the Mediterranean region. My work is now in the possession of the owner of my university – Forbes listed Cypriot Businessman, Suat Günsel.
“More importantly, this painting is dedicated to none other than the legendary Nigerian musician and political activist himself, Lagbaja. @officiallagbaja .
“I decided if I’m going to put a timeless piece in the walls of a foreign land, it should be about the ones back home.
“Sir, if you’re reading this, know that you’ve inspired a culture. You’ve created both war & peace with your passion and creativity and that is everything I stand for. This is the least I could do to show appreciation.
“I’d like to thank God and his Spirit that makes things possible through me- He placed me here. The fact that my art value has gone up more than 10x by reason of this event is still mind blowing.
“To all the curators and friends who kept this huge announcement on the downlow and pumped me with endless support, I love you,” she said.
Emediong is also a muralist and mixed-medium artist who runs a budding arts company called Asher’s Pallette.
