Mirrors of Our Time: Nine Artists Reflect Nigeria’s Complex Realities Through Art

“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.” Oscar Wilde

Art is a way society sees the world. A powerful lens through which society interprets the world around it. However, for many people, it may appear to be nothing more than a painting, sculpture, or ornament to beautify the wall and add some form of aesthetic value wherever it is placed. Yet for a few others, art transcends mere decoration; it is the soul of society, a profound expression that captures the intricate absurdities and irregular illusions of our existence.

Recently, Alexis Gallery featured the works of nine exceptionally talented artists in collaboration with The Macallan in a thought-provoking exhibition. This contemporary art exhibition, themed “Mirrors of Our Time,” offered deep insights into the complex realities of our society. The event, running from November 16 to November 30, 2024, at the Alexis Galleries, Victoria Island, Lagos, was a feast for the senses, displaying a captivating array of artworks that challenged and inspired.

The participating artists—Arinze Stanley, Jacqueline Suowari, Ayogu Kingsley, Okolo Oliver, David Kaydee, Otaru Oscar Ukonu, Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka, Olawale Moses, and Celesta Jonah—each brought forth their unique visions and creative ingenuity. Their works, marked by striking emotional depth and technical skill, evoked powerful reactions, inviting viewers to engage with the layers of meaning embedded in each piece. The exhibition not only showcased their remarkable passion for art but also encouraged an exploration of the themes that resonate deeply within our society today.

While guests meandered through the captivating displays with their senses stirred by the powerful visual narratives, many found their way to The Macallan, where they savoured exquisite glasses of fine single malt whisky, seeking to quench the lingering taste left by the thought-provoking artworks. Amid this creative indulgence, Stanley took a step back to observe the society around him. With a keen eye for detail, he distilled the complexities of life, recreating in fewer lines yet detailed reflections of the harsh realities that plagued it.

The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria, as a wave of youthful energy ignited a series of protests against police brutality. Known as ‘ENDSARS,’ this movement became a rallying cry for change, pushing to reform the police force and illuminating the deep-seated injustices faced by Nigeria’s young people. The passion and determination of the protesters resonated throughout the nation, challenging the status quo and demanding a brighter future.

Arinze Stanley at the Art Exhibition hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan

Explaining his illustration, “My work is a tribute to the vibrant and resilient Nigerian youth”. The image portrays a determined Nigerian woman as she attempts to break a palm kernel with a piece of foam, a task that seems futile and nearly impossible. This artwork captures the essence of the challenges faced by the youth in Nigeria, who often navigate a landscape marked by scarce resources and socioeconomic obstacles.

The act of using foam to break a palm kernel powerfully symbolises the uphill battle that many young Nigerians undertake in their quest for success. Despite the daunting circumstances, they have managed to accomplish remarkable feats, showcasing their ingenuity and tenacity. 

The woman’s hand in the artwork serves as a representation of strength and the various forces at play in their lives, creating a striking contrast between sheer determination and the constraints of their environment. Ultimately, this piece is a celebration of the unyielding spirit and resilience of Nigerian youth, reflecting their ability to persevere and thrive against all odds.”

Just like Abraham Lincoln put it years ago “Whatever you believe becomes the conviction of your dreams, chose your belief with care”

“Behind every individual lies a unique story, and each story a person encounters crafts their perception of reality. We live in a world with rich diverse narratives, where the intricacies of our identities are continuously moulded by the stories we engage with. In this age of overwhelming information, characterised by a constant flow of data and opinions, one must exercise discernment; otherwise, we risk being subconsciously shaped by the content we consume.” This insightful exposition by Oscar Ukonu delves into the intricate relationship between identity and media representation. In his thought-provoking work, “Face Value,” he places the human face at the heart of his exploration, probing into how identity is both unveiled and concealed within a society that is heavily influenced by media portrayals. Through this lens, Ukonu invites the audience to reflect on how perception can shape—and sometimes distort—our understanding of ourselves and others.

Oscar Ukonu at the Art Exhibition hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan

Against one wall of the studio is a collage made of sponge and net, representing the silenced voices of children. It captures the dark brooding nature of the inequalities that plague life and highlights the lack of solitude that children experience in their silence. These pieces, created by Ayogu Kingsley, explore the theme of innocence, focusing on issues such as censorship, the protection of children, and the impact of globalization on the data they consume. Ayogu expertly depicts meaning by using unconventional materials like sponges and nets.

Ayogu Kingsley at the Art Exhibition hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan

Drawing heavily from his own childhood experiences, David Otaru creates thought-provoking artwork that captures the essence of nostalgia, often through the lens of negative imagery. His pieces delve into complex themes such as ADHD, revealing the struggles and triumphs tied to this condition. Notable works like ‘Guy Man’ and ‘A Couple of Snooze’ invite viewers to reflect on their own memories and emotions, while Otaru’s unique approach challenges us to confront the bittersweet nature of nostalgia in our fast-paced modern world.

David Otaru ‘Kaydee’ at the Art Exhibition hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan

In his captivating work titled “Omidan,” Olawale Moses masterfully illustrates the strength, grace, and quiet resilience of young women within Yoruba culture. This serves as a poignant tribute to cultural identity, as seen through the eyes of a maiden who beautifully embodies the richness of history while also representing the promise of the future. By skillfully employing charcoal and graphite, Moses creates intricate textures and delicate details that mirror the harmonious coexistence of cultural tradition and modernity in our contemporary world. Each stroke reveals not only the depth of the subject’s character but also the compelling narrative of a culture that continues to evolve while honouring its roots.

Olawale Moses at the Art Exhibition hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan

Across her five works, Celesta Jonah sheds light on sensitive topics that often go unexamined. In her thought-provoking piece“Boys Don’t Cry,” she poignantly captures the often-hidden emotional turmoil experienced by men. She paints a vivid picture of individuals who stifle their feelings, hold back tears, and resist the urge to seek help, all to avoid the stigma of being labelled weak by their families and the society around them. Through her insightful exploration, Jonah invites viewers to recognise and empathise with the complex emotional realities faced by men in today’s world.

Jacqueline Suowari’s at the Art Exhibition hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan

Jacqueline Suowari’s artwork invites viewers into a rich exploration of themes such as identity, modernism and nationalism, deeply rooted in shared human experiences, complex perspectives and diverse cultural influences. In her evocative piece “Sunset in Banana Island,” Suowari presents a striking portrayal of contemporary African womanhood, masterfully intertwining elegance with the richness of cultural identity.

“Violet Dreams in a Golden Shell” is a striking oil and charcoal painting created by Oliver Okolo. The artwork features a woman whose intense gaze reflects her determination while she stands at a significant turning point in her life. Her composed posture, marked by quiet strength, communicates a sense of resilience that transcends the heavy shadows of history and identity surrounding her. The interplay of light and dark in the painting enhances the emotional depth, illustrating a captivating balance between serene resolve and the complexity of human experience inviting viewers to explore the intricate layers of spirit and introspection it embodies.

Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka delves deeply into the rich interplay of time and culture, seeking to uncover and recapture their fundamental essence. Through his work, he illuminates the intricate themes of identity and representation, drawing upon personal experiences that resonate with a broader audience.

L-R: Artists; Oscar Ukonu, Olawale Moses, Celesta Jonah, Kingsley Ayogu, David Otaru, Jacqueline Suowari, Arinze Stanley Egbengwu, Oliver Okolo, and Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka at the Art Exhibition themed “Mirrors of our Time”, hosted by Alexis Gallery in partnership with The Macallan held at Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, November 16th, 2024.

The exhibition was a captivating showcase and arguably one of the most anticipated art events of the year. ‘Mirrors of Our Time,’ reflects deeply on the contemporary issues of an average Nigerian and portrays this through art. The title itself resonates with the profound themes found in the writings of renowned authors like Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, particularly in works such as ‘Trial of Dedan Kimathi’, and ‘Things Fall Apart’.

It also echoes the poignant verses of Kofi Awoonor, who eloquently addresses societal indifference and the troubling missteps of governance. This exhibition serves as a powerful commentary on the lasting impacts of these actions, urging us to confront the complexities of our times through the lens of artistic