United Nations Art Ambassador Ibiyinka Alao
The Rogers Experimental House invited United Nations Art Ambassador, Ibiyinka “Ibi” Alao, to participate in an arts and diversity program in Northwest Arkansas.
Photographer Curtis Myers
Artist Ibiyinka Alao shared his beautiful painting, Eternity, with hundreds of people as the the inaugural Guest Artist in Residence at the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR. (Photographer Curtis Myers)
Ibiyinka Alao met with approximately 80 people during the reconaisance visit to Rogers, AR in lat April 2021.
GUEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
The Rogers Experimental House invited United Nations Art Ambassador, Ibiyinka “Ibi” Alao, [Pronounced: ee-BEE-ink-uh Allow] to participate in an arts and diversity program in Northwest Arkansas. Ibi was invited to serve as the inaugural Guest Artist in Residence at the RXH in Downtown Rogers. The Ambassador is a Nigerian American artist, architect, writer, storyteller, film director and musical theater composer.
Alao is the winner of the prestigious grand prize of the United Nations’ International Art Competition from entries from 61 countries. He also has a children’s book, Ibi’s Fireflies that won the Grand Prize of the 2016/2017 Scholastic “Kids are Authors” contest.
Ambassador “Ibi” Alao is working throughout Northwest Arkansas sharing stories of his childhood, his travels as a UN Ambassador, art and music. Alao is the Inaugural Guest Artist in Residence at the Rogers Experimental House sponsored by the Tyson Family Foundation.
WORLD’S LARGEST PAINTING
From 2018 to 2020, Ibiyinka worked on a new painting that is considered by experts as an Opus of the artist. “Eternity” is one of the largest paintings in the world, measuring 100 ft. wide by 12 ft. tall. The work was brought to Rogers, Arkansas in April 2021 where it was displayed in the gallery and studio space of the Rogers Experimental House through May 30th.
In addition to dozens of meetings and group tours, the painting served as a backdrop for the musical production of “SuperNova.” This piece was one of several music and dance selections performed during the May 13 Art on the Bricks Art Walk in Downtown Rogers.
RENAISSANCE MAN
Ibiyinka Alao, a Nigerian/American artist, is also an architect, writer, film director and musical theater composer. He was named Nigeria’s United Nations Ambassador of Art in 2005. He is the winner of the prestigious grand prize of the United Nations’ International Art Competition from entries from 61 countries. Additionally, his children’s book, Ibi’s Fireflies, is a story based on a personal childhood experience as well as one of his paintings, “Eternity in our Hearts.” Ibi’s Fireflies won the Grand Prize of the 2016/2017 Scholastic “Kids are Authors” contest.
During his guest residency Alao connected with the NWA community using visual and verbal storytelling, facilitating interactive dance, music composition and creative writing experiences inspired by his art, music, and video animation creations. His programs and creative workshops incorporate messages of peace, hope, love, forgiveness, and unity.