BIC Brings African Talent to the Forefront at a First-of-its-kind Metaverse Gallery in the Region

Stemming from its commitment to empowering youth through creativity and self-expression, BIC announces the launch of its first-of-a-kind art gallery in the Metaverse in Africa.

In a statement, it was noted that the launch is an extension of the company’s flagship art competition, Art Master Africa, that aims to encourage talent to express themselves through art using the BIC ballpoint pen.

The statement also noted that the Art Master Africa Metaverse gallery is live and available to view here, adding that throughout the year, the gallery will showcase artwork of artists from the region including Southern, Eastern, and West Africa.

The statement remarked that Gallery visitors would have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative work crafted with the iconic BIC Cristal ballpoint pen.

The statement also noted that Art enthusiasts would be able to purchase physical versions of the exhibited artwork, further supporting the burgeoning talents within the region.

Expressing his excitement, Marketing Director for Middle East and Africa at BIC, Greg Alibaux, said: “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.”

The statement also noted that this year’s collection would include work done by Nosakhare Igbinosa, Hezekiah Okon, Moses Oyeleye, Dumbor Debeeh, and Victor Onyemuwa amongst other talented artists.

The statement remarked that this year, the sixth edition of Art Master Africa would kick off in Africa and the Middle East, noting that 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.

The statement revealed that 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 statement added: “The Art Master Africa competition continues to be a platform for thousands of African artists to showcase their creativity and gain much-needed exposure. Through this initiative, BIC consistently celebrates the creativity and originality of artists who find great inspiration in creating masterpieces using BIC’s products, underscoring the brand’s commitment to bolstering human expression.”