Fourteen Nigerian artists’ work will figure in Nigeria@100: Transforming a British Experiment? organised by Nigeria Art Society in the UK.
The society says the exhibition promises to be a landmark show. The works of the artists featured, Ade Ogundimu, Chike Azuonye, Chinwe Chukuogo Roy MBE, Dotun Adegbite, Gbenga Orimoloye, Hassan Aliyu, Imoesi Imhonigie, Kunle Adegborioye, Lara Ige Jacks, Michael Echekoba, Obi Okigbo, Raymond Soko, Titus Agbara and Toni Ndikanwu, draw on themes from the west African oil nation’s socio-economic, political and cultural experience — from colonialism to the present day.
Modern Nigeria emerged from British colonialism from the late 19th century to early 20th century. It became independent on 1 October 1960 and declared itself a republic on 1 October 1963. A historical cradle of numerous kingdoms and empires, Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy is a magnet for continuing archaeological and historical scholarship as well as a source of inspiration for much of contemporary and modern art practice in west Africa and African diasporas outside the continent, including Europe. Nigerian contemporary art dominated a recent auction sale in London of contemporary African art.
The exhibition at WAC Gallery, 14 Baylis Road, Waterloo, London SE1 7AA, opens 1 October 2014 and will continue to 1 November 2014. SR | Watch participating artists speak about their work
A seminar, Imagining Nigeria 2114, is scheduled for 22 October. Registration: http://www.nigeriaartsociety.org/imagining-nigeria-2114-seminar.