The Abuja and Lagos based Thought Pyramid has made modest imprints in Nigeria’s Art world with a blend of old and new masters of Art in Nigeria’s Artistic expression given ample space in its two galleries. Below is an elaborate profile of the Though Pyramid for your information and reading pleasure.
The Thought Pyramid Art Centre was constructed in the heart of Abuja (Wuse II), and Lagos (Ikoyi ) as a space to enable new ideas to be incubated and nurtured; where there are no boundaries between art, craft, design, and thought; and where thinkers will meet to dialogue on new directions for African art. Thought Pyramid has been in existence since 2008.
One of the cornerstones of Thought Pyramid’s ethos, and as a tribute to the diversity of African art practice, we will proote understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of art and its values in an accessible, contemporary and unpretentious environment. We have had visits from delegates and diplomats from all around the world including a visit from the past president of Germany Joachim Gauck, Duchess of Cornwall, HRH Camilla, and a host of others.
Mission: The mission of The Thought Pyramid Art Centre is to collect, conserve, and study modern and contemporary art of Africa, and the African Diaspora. We will exhibit the art of our times from a variety of perspectives while situating them with the context of a global art movement.
To enrich the lives of art enthusiasts, patrons and collectors through the management, marketing, education, presentation and exhibition of artworks that meet some need, that advance creativity, artistic excellence and innovation for the benefit of humanity and our environments.
Objective: To carefully mount and professionally flaunt resilient artworks of edifying and emotive delights that appreciate in value, and provide our stakeholders unique experience, and the special satisfaction of durable, trusted and undying investment.
Vision: To deliberately offer enthralling and realistic art place with a sense of friendliness, warmth, corporate and individual pride, where people can come to find and discover original creativity in its stark reality.
A major part of our work at The Thought Pyramid Art Centre is to bring art appreciation to the general public through an active focus on art education at all level: from kids to adults. The Music, Art and Poetry program (M.A.P) will create an appreciation of who we are as Africans through classes to teach art, music and poetry in a bid to increase the understanding and appreciation of established artists and art movements. Other events at The Thought Pyramid Art Centre will include exhibitions of the visual arts, artistic symposium, lectures and workshops, theatre performance, poetry, spoken word and musical events. We will work with our partners to train art administrators and curators. There is a compelling need in Nigeria for alternative Art spaces that bridge the gap between commercial galleries and traditional art institutions; spaces that enable artists and curators to innovate with shows that do not fit into the boundaries of the existing art market.
JEFF AJUESHI:
Jeff Ajueshi is a creative director, curator and gallerist based in Nigeria. In 2007, he founded Thought Pyramid Art Centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. In these intervening years, Thought Pyramid has become the creative space that focuses on the interplay between visual art and culture.
At Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Jeff has curated over 60 exhibitions. With some named: Vision of the Last Quater, Next of Kin , The Provenance, “New Conversations: What the Eagles Saw”, used the works of some of Nigeria’s greatest art masters to recount Nigeria’s past and to point out a future Nigeria should desire. The exhibition presented the works of artists such as Ben Enwonwu, Ben Osawe, Bruce Onobrakpeya , Okpu Eze, David Dale, Erhabor Emokpae, Jimoh Buraimoh, Muraina Oyelami, Rufus Ogundele, Twins 77, Bisi Fakeye and Kolade Oshinowo, to mention just few.
In response to the need for a purpose-built space for artists and art lovers to interact, Jeff, in 2014, completed the construction of a new home for Thought Pyramid Art Centre. This building, which houses a gallery, space for dialogue sessions, arts and craft shop, and lounge/restaurant, is located in the high brow Wuse 2 in Abuja. The Centre has become a major point for art lovers, writers, poets and policy wonks who meet under various platforms to discuss how to advance the socio-cultural, economic, and political future of Nigeria.
In line with his commitment to advance contemporary art in Nigeria, Jeff also opened a similar space in Ikoyi, Lagos in the year 2017. This is in response to the need for more spaces for art and culture in Nigeria’s megapolis, Lagos. The opening of the Centre was in line with activities to mark the tenth anniversary of Thought Pyramid Art Centre.
As part of his commitment to the growth of art in Nigeria, Jeff established the Foundation for Arts and Creative Talents (FACT) – an artists and writers residency programme – in Oghara, Delta State in Nigeria. Through this programme, he aims to positively impact the unemployed youths in the Nigerian Niger Delta, hitherto know for their restiveness and militancy.
Jeff provides thorough leadership in the Nigerian art space as a reputed collaborator, discussant on ‘collaborative strategies’ and ‘ practice’ in colleges of arts and design in Nigeria. He has also continued to manage a diverse range of art projects including the Music, Art & Poetry project (M.A.P), Life Drawing Platform, AutismArt project and many other innovative projects.
Incidentally, the 42nd birthday of the Creative Director of Thought Pyramid came up on Monday July 20th 2020 at the Thought Pyramid, Abuja. The celebration amidst good music, wine and very good food was an avenue for friends of the celebrant Art and Culture lovers to brainstorm on issues of national and international concern.