Lagos: Some curators and artists in Lagos on Monday highlighted art as a tool for unity, cultural diversity and community engagement during a group exhibition.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ongoing exhibition, themed ‘Many Trees, A Forest’, is organised by Didi Museum.
Head Curator of Didi Museum, Patrick Odimnfe, stated that the exhibition aimed to empower participants and build their confidence, especially first-time exhibitors. ‘My goal is that participants leave with a sense of certainty about their work and career path, while audiences appreciate diversity and new possibilities,’ he said. He described the workshop as an experimental project, noting its strong cultural and social impact, with future prospects.
Odimnfe further explained that the exhibition resulted from a two-week ‘Curious Curating Workshop’ designed to promote multidisciplinary and multicultural artistic expression. He highlighted that the workshop combined theoretical and practical sessions, attracting participants from various professional and cultural backgrounds, including researchers and photographers from different ethnicities.
The exhibition, featuring paintings, photography, writings, and experimental installations, showcased diverse approaches to storytelling and artistic interpretation. Odimnfe noted that out of 35 applicants from different states, 20 were selected, including a non-Nigerian residing in Nigeria. He emphasized art’s effectiveness in bridging societal divides, saying, ‘Art is a subtle way of closing the divide because it goes through emotional and psychological barriers and allows people to absorb ideas more easily.’
Robin Riskin, a co-facilitator, also spoke at the exhibition, stating that the project sought to challenge conventional exhibition models and promote community-driven artistic practices. ‘We are growing knowledge through community, dialogue and imagination, and encouraging artists to create their own platforms,’ she said. Riskin described the exhibition as focused on knowledge, community, and possibility, embracing indigenous and communal art practices.
Participating artists expressed that their works reflected personal experiences, cultural identity, and social realities. Artist Jonathan Chambalin mentioned his work was inspired by family memory, symbolising resilience and emotional connection. A group of participants presented a zine created from their shared perspective on the workshops and curating, and artist Angel Akua presented a short film capturing moments during the workshops.
Guest facilitator Jumoke Sanwo described the exhibition’s theme as a reflection of relationships within the art ecosystem. She stated, ‘It symbolises the interrelationship between artists, curators and the community.’ Sanwo emphasized art’s role as a unifying platform transcending ethnic, religious, and social differences, noting that the workshop challenged traditional notions of curation by drawing inspiration from everyday life and local practices.
The exhibition featured participants from Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Benin, as well as an international participant from Italy. The organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained to further develop Nigeria’s creative sector.