By Adefoyeke Ajao

When the word gallery is used, it usually conjures an image of an imposing edifice that serves as an exclusive playground for elite artists, art enthusiasts and collectors. For those cautious about visiting brick and mortar galleries, GTBank is reinventing the notion of art galleries in Nigeria with Art635.

A Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of GTBank, Art635 is dedicated to promoting African art. Unlike vanity galleries that charge artists exorbitant fees to host their creations and make use of their spaces, this virtual gallery offers a level playing field to budding and established artists alike by exhibiting their creations to potential buyers, for free.

The virtual gallery developed by GTBank also boasts an assortment of original art forms including works from various award-winning artists such as Diseye Tantua and late Ben Osaghae. This melange of eye-catching art comes with promises of a comprehensive experience that entices even those that might be doubtful about their knowledge of African art: the coherence of artists’ biographies, as well as detailed information about featured artworks and events, brings visitors up to speed with happenings in the African art scene.

Art635 is available 24/7 and employs a friendly interface, enabling visitors to easily locate their favourite pieces, appreciate them for as long as they want, and even purchase them – without being bothered by closing hours or the groans of security guards eager to lock up and head home. The gallery’s virtual nature also ensures that visitors do not have to worry about bumping into featured artworks or damaging installations.

GTBank’s Art635 is an innovative use of cyberspace. It curates enthralling pieces of contemporary African art and makes them accessible to a wider, global audience.