It is with immense appreciation that we welcome you to “1499 Art Force”, the fourth group exhibition by the distinguished consortium now known as Auchi Art Royale. This body of 14 accomplished contemporary Nigerian artists—painters and sculptors alike—are all proud alumni of the renowned Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, class of 1999.
Their artistic journey, marked by unity and unflinching commitment to excellence, began twenty-two years ago with their debut exhibition at the National Museum, Lagos. One year after their third showing, they now return with renewed purpose, vision, and under a new identity. It is a true honour that Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Lagos has been selected as the first gallery to host this newly rebranded collective.
We are particularly proud to host “1499 Art Force” not only because each of the 14 exhibiting artists is a celebrated figure in today’s contemporary Nigerian art scene, but because of the values they embody—values we have also championed for the past 18 years: unity, creative brilliance, and cultural continuity.
The title of the exhibition—1499 Art Force—ingeniously merges the group’s graduation year (1999) with the number of its members (14), symbolising both the strength of their bond and the collective creative force they wield. As viewers move through the exhibition, they will encounter not just masterful techniques and seasoned styles, but a palpable sense of class and timeless grace reminiscent of royalty—befitting for a group now aptly named Auchi Art Royale.
This exhibition is more than a visual feast; it is a celebration of heritage, a reaffirmation of the power of collaboration, and a bold declaration of what is possible when artists grow together and hold one another accountable to elite performance.
As a gallery that has long committed itself to supporting visionary talents and nurturing platforms that foster collective growth, we find deep joy in presenting this exhibition. We are also hopeful that it will inspire the next generation of artists—particularly undergraduates and recent graduates—to build lasting camaraderie, champion mutual progress, and reinforce the value of our academic institutions in nurturing artistic potential.
We congratulate the artists of Auchi Art Royale on this remarkable presentation and thank them for choosing to continue their legacy with us. May “1499 Art Force” be a resounding call to uphold our cultural legacy, strive for unity, and aspire toward artistic innovation without borders.
Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi
Founder and Artistic Director
Thought Pyramid Art Centre
Abuja | Lagos | Oghara | Benin