As the global art world gathers in London next week for Frieze, tagged one of the “blingiest” art fairs in the world, The Contemporaries, an exhibition showcasing works by eleven cutting edge Nigerian contemporary artists, will attract much interest when it opens at the Wheatbaker boutique hotel, on Monday, October 12th.
According to the organizers of The Contemporaries, “the stunning exhibition of 21 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and mixed media works is a timely reflection of current trends in Nigeria, and makes stirring and sometimes, tongue-in-cheek comments about a nation expectant of change”. The Wheatbaker’s fall exhibition showcases leading and emerging artists including Nnenna Okore, Duke Asidere, Uchay Joel Chima, Gerald Chukwuma, Raoul Olawale da Silva, Anthea Epelle, Taiye Idahor , Chika Idu , Adeyinka Akingbade, Tony Nsofor, and Onyeama Offoedu-Okeke.
The exhibition is kaleidoscope of art that offers fresh perspectives on environment and development issues, feminism, unity, identity, history & tradition, and freedom of expression, drawing on the artists’ unique heritage and perspectives. It is a robust exchange of ideas challenging its audience not to merely “think outside the box”, but to literally “stand on the box” and use it as platform to behold new vistas.
“Art reflects society within a constantly evolving socio-political reality,” explains the curator of the exhibition Sandra Mbanefo Obiago. Obiago started documenting the impact of contemporary Nigerian art in 2011 in a five part documentary series, Red Hot Nigerian Creativity which she produced and co-directed. “Its exciting to see how the contemporary art scene is making a positive impact on our international identity and our confidence as Nigerians as Lagos fast becomes one of the most-talked-about emerging global art cities.”
“All these stirring works are a powerful mosaic of avant garde contemporary African expression,” concludes Mosun Ogunbanjo, Wheatbaker Director whose architectural and design legacy helped shape the hotel’s art focus. ”The Contemporaries reflects the raw creative energy and opinions of a vibrant country with all its contradictions and potential.”
The exhibition runs from October 12th to November 13th 2015 at the WheatBaker hotel. It is supported by Veuve Cliquot. The Contemporaries promises to intrigue visitors.