BIC has launched its art gallery in the Metaverse in Africa, to spur innovation, creativity and bring African talents to the forefront.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Metaverse is located on the latest version of the internet called Web3 and can be accessed online using a browser or virtual reality (VR) headset.
Greg Alibaux, Marketing Director, BIC, Middle East and Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Alibaux explained that the development was in advancement of BIC’s commitment to empowering youths through creativity and self-expression.
He said the launch was an extension of the company’s flagship art competition, “Art Master Africa”, aimed to encouraging talents to express themselves through art using the BIC ballpoint pen.
According to him, the Art Master Africa Metaverse gallery is live and available to view.
He said the gallery would showcase artwork of artists from the region including Southern, Eastern and West Africa all through the year.
He noted that gallery visitors would have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative work crafted with the BIC Cristal ballpoint pen.
He said that art enthusiasts would be able to purchase physical versions of the exhibited artwork, further supporting the burgeoning talents within the region.
“Self-expression is at the heart of what we do, resembling one of our main product categories, human expression.
“We truly believe in the importance of self-expression, and art is a form of that. Art Master Africa is one of our flagship competitions in the region with a focus on talent and youth empowerment.
“Year-on-year we witness the astonishing talent that comes out of Africa, of which we are proud. The decision to launch the Art Master Africa gallery in the metaverse came from the success that the competition saw in the region, and beyond.
“The gallery aims to bring together the mystifying charm of creativity and the strength of technology and innovation, to bring the work created by African talent to life,” he said.
Alibaux noted that the 2024 collection would include work done by Nosakhare Igbinosa, Hezekiah Okon, Moses Oyeleye, Dumbor Debeeh, and Victor Onyemuwa among other talented artists.
“This year, the sixth edition of Art Master Africa will kick off in Africa and the Middle East.
”Art Master Africa was incepted in South Africa in 2017, after which it expanded into the wider African continent, followed by the Middle East in 2021.
“Every year, participants are challenged to create captivating artworks aligned with a central theme, using BIC ballpoint pens.
“Past themes, such as “Celebrating Africa” and “Enchant Everyday Life,” have inspired a plethora of iconic artworks that showcase the richness and diversity of African culture.
“The Art Master Africa competition continues to be a platform for thousands of African artists to showcase their creativity and gain much-needed exposure.”
He further noted that through the initiative, BIC consistently celebrates the creativity and originality of artists who find great inspiration in creating masterpieces using its products. According to him, by so doing, the brand’s commitment to bolstering human expression will be underscored.