CORA/Arterial Network rallies Yemisi Shyllon, others to mourn Bisi Silva

The CORA/Arterial Network Nigeria has joined thousands of other people and institutions to mourn deceased curator and founder of the Centre for Contemporary Art, Yaba, Bisi Silva, who died on February 12, 2019.
Evoking many roles she played in the development of the sector, CORA Arterial recalled in a statement that Bisi, as she was fondly called, contributed to the implementation of Arterial Network Cultural Management Programme as one of the key resource persons and was an independent curator.
CORA Arterial said, “ She was Artistic Director of the 10th Bamako Encounters, African Biennial of Photography (2015) in Mali, Co-Curator of the 2nd Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art in Greece (2009), and Co-Curator of the 7th Dak’Art: African Contemporary Art Biennial (2006). She was the curator of Asiko (2010- until her death), the pan-African roaming alternative art school. She co-curated The Progress of Love, a transcontinental collaboration between the Menil Collection (Houston, USA) Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts (Missouri, USA) and CCA Lagos (2012–13) and J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere: Moments of Beauty at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki (2011).”
The Steering Committee of the group thus commiserated with the Silva family, the Nigerian, African and international visual arts community for the loss it described as painful.
In a tribute attached to the statement, the Chair, CORA/Arterial Network, Fola Martins, noted, “Life is a journey but the destinations we end up with is ours to choose. Life can be a long road that may scare us but we must learn to put out positive voices as we travel that road. Here is a honoured tribute to a life that chose a crowning destination and spoke life changing words to many-a-life as she travelled through our world. May her shadow never grow dim and may her soul retain the radiant beauty of a true humanist for all eternity.”
Also, the National Coordinator, CORA/Arterial Network Nigeria, Ayodele Ganiu, said, “Losing Bisi Silva at this time is a tragic development. I take solace in the opportunity I had to work and learn from her wealth of knowledge and experience. Her initiative, ÀSÌKÒ INTERNATIONAL ART PROGRAMME, was selected by Arterial Network in 2016 as an exemplary model in the Visual Arts Industry which gave Arterial Cultural Management Programme participants an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in project management best practices, learning from her innovative programme filling a gap in the educational system in many African countries.
“Her sudden exit is a big loss to the creative sector, especially the visual arts community both at home and abroad. My condolences to the family and the visual arts community.”

The CORA/Arterial further celebrated Bisi by compiling the following tributes:
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Silva was larger than life in the art world. I use the word, “world” in its truest meaning. Bisi’s fame in the world of curatorial practice of contextual and post modernist art transcends Africa. She was a respected major player. She was free in sharing her highly informed art curatorial know-how and global network with artists, gallery owners and collectors. I benefited from this her benevolence when she nominated me as a collector, to represent and speak for Africa in the art Dubai fair in 2012 when the main theme of that fair was focused on African art. My foundation (OYASAF) has also partnered in lending her outfit with some of its notable collection for some of her curatorial exhibits in Nigeria.
She was art all through, with some great depth of knowledge about it all. She was recognised, accepted and globally well sought after, as Nigeria’s numero uno of art curatorial practice. Without my playing to the gallery, it would take a long time for us to have another Bisi. She was very good at what she did, yet was very simple about it all. She is an example of what makes me wonder why the “Abels”of this world die so early, while the “Cains” remain behind for so long.
I join others to painfully mourn the early departure of this woman of so much virtue and value to the world. May her soul rest eternally with God almighty. Adieu Bisi. Rest in peace.

– Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon
Nigeria’s foremost Art Collector, Business Leader and Patron of CORA/Arterial Network
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It was with great sadness that I received news of the passing away of Bisi Silva, one of the most significant figures in Nigeria’s cultural space.
A world renowned curator, we are comforted with her enduring legacy hinged on her sterling contributions to the increased visibility and appreciation of contemporary African art, through research, education and exhibitions. We celebrate her vision and hard work in inspiring a generation of artists, collectors, students and art enthusiasts across the African continent.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and by the visual arts community in Nigeria.
– Oliver Enwonwu
President, Society of Nigerian Artists
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We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bisi Silva, independent curator and founder and artistic director of the Centre for Contemporary Art, CCA, Lagos. She was a dear friend and an adviser to the Prince Claus Fund for many years. In 2016 she curated the exhibition El ANATSUI: MEYINA as part of the Prince Claus Fund’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Her knowledge, insights, and presence were deeply valued. She will be greatly missed.
– The Prince Claus Fund
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
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Another hole in my heart…I have no more tears to cry. Asiko Forever! Tonight the night came earlier and indelible..
Rest in Peace Bisi Silva!
– Ndubuisi Nduwhite Ahanonu
CEO & Founder, International Institute for Creative Development
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The Goethe-Institut Nigeria mourns the passing of Olabisi Silva, a visionary and dependable ally in the arts community. Ms. Silva was a leader, advisor and consistent collaborator whose informed opinion on the global arts scene was well-respected. Her experience, network and knowledge as a curator, teacher and mentor has benefited individuals and organisations alike with many young artists attributing their breakthroughs to her and her ground-breaking Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA,Lagos).
Always bristling with ideas and infectious energy, Ms. Silva has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Goethe-Institut remains committed to supporting her legacy and passion for the arts through ongoing and future partnerships with CCA Lagos.
Our condolences go to Ms. Silva’s family, and to the visual arts community at large. She will be deeply missed. May her soul rest in perfect peace
– Goethe Institut Nigeria
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You always speak in my head, still practising your word, wisdom and advice….. believe me you not gone yet as your living in lots and number of many artists, critics and curators career as a source of inspiration.
Rest In Peace Olabisi Silva!
– Gadi Ramadhani
Artist, Dar es Salam, Tanzania
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I can’t believe you left us #mamaBisi, Thank you for all you did for us. You introduced me to the world that I was blind to see and you showed me the way to grow both in my career and Personality . I missed you in Kassel last year and i was hoping to see you soon.