By Glory Akpan
Some curators and artists in Lagos on Monday highlighted art as a tool for unity, cultural diversity and community engagement during a group exhibition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ongoing exhibition, with the theme, ‘Many Trees, A Forest’, is organised by Didi Museum.
Head Curator of Didi Museum, Patrick Odimnfe, said 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 said the workshop was an experimental project, but recorded strong cultural and social impact, with prospects for future editions.
He further described the entire exhibition as a community consciousness.
Odimnfe said the exhibition was the outcome of a two-week ‘Curious Curating Workshop’ designed to promote multidisciplinary and multicultural artistic expression.
“The workshop combined theoretical and practical sessions, attracting participants from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
“We had researchers, photographers and people from different ethnicities.
“That diversity was intentional and it reflects in the exhibition, which is a collage of different perspectives, expressions, and inquiries about society,” he said.
Odimnfe said the exhibition, which featured paintings, photography, writings and experimental installations, highlighted varied approaches to storytelling and artistic interpretation.
He noted that there were 35 applicants from different states but 20 were selected, including a non-Nigerian residing in Nigeria.
He added that art was an effective tool for bridging societal divides.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking at the exhibition, Robin Riskin, a co-facilitator, said the project sought to challenge conventional exhibition models and encourage 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, saying it goes beyond the white-cube gallery model to embrace indigenous and communal art practices.
“We can draw from our cultural roots and still connect with other traditions.
“That hybridity is important,” she said.
Some participating artists said their works reflected personal experiences, cultural identity and social realities.
One of the artists, Jonathan Chambalin, said his work was inspired by family memory, symbolised resilience and emotional connection.
A group of participants presented a zine created from their shared perspective on the workshops and on curating.
An artist, Angel Akua, presented a short film that captured moments during the workshops.
A guest facilitator, Jumoke Sanwo, described the theme of the exhibition as a reflection of relationships within the art ecosystem.
“It symbolises the interrelationship between artists, curators and the community,” she said.
Sanwo said art remains a unifying platform that transcends ethnic, religious and social differences.
“Art helps us to find common ground despite our differences,” she said.
She also noted that the workshop challenged traditional notions of curation by drawing inspiration from everyday life and local practices.
NAN reports that 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. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
