In Conversation with Musa Ganiyy; Art News from the Nigerian Art Scene; Spotlighting Peter Uka
In a conversation with Omenai, Nigerian visual artist Musa Ganiyy talks about his documentary-driven practice, his process of working on a new project, and how he is inspired by Van Gogh.
Born in 1993, Musa Ganiyy is imitating everyday life, a sketch at a time, as he visually journals his personal experiences in his work. His works are visual documentation of human interaction with their environment. Through his use of varied artistic mediums, Ganiyy’s observations show how seemingly mundane issues can be linked to larger problems.
Read more about the conversation here.
Omenai Gallery Presents ‘Visions of Home: Lagos to Accra’ in Chicago
Omenai Gallery presents “Visions of Home: Lagos to Accra,” featuring works by Cornelius Annor, Orry Shenjobi, Olamide Ogunade and Nana Bruce. Together, these artists situated in two of the most vibrant art capitals in West Africa, present a multifaceted vision of home, weaving together personal narratives and turning the lens on dynamic public spaces. Visions of Home: Lagos to Accra invites viewers to be a part of the dialogue between these two cities.
The exhibition will be open to the public from August 30th - October 11th, 2024. You can rsvp to attend here.
Tilga Art Fund Awards Grand Prize to Ugo Ahiakwo for 2024 Residency
Lagos-based sculptor, curator, and furniture designer Ugo Ahiakwo is a recipient of the 2024 Tilga Art Fund. His artistic practice merges art and design with his environment, focusing on abstract and minimalist styles to connect with objects and share stories, both personal and observed.
Tilga Art Fund was created by Wally Bakare to support and foster criticality, broaden artistic practice, and engage new and exciting modes of art-making among young contemporary African artists. Now in its 5th year, it has been awarded 20 finalists since its inception. The prize is for emerging artists based in Nigeria or of Nigerian descent and is open to artists whose practices are rooted in photography, painting, sculpture, and multidisciplinary arts.
Ugo Ahiakwo will receive a fully funded residency at the Guest Artists Space Foundation.
A&M Foundation for Contemporary Art has created a research-based residency for early career practitioners. It is a one-month opportunity for curators, writers, and lens-based visual artists to work on ideas in progress. The selected participants for this first edition include Aisha Aliyu-Bima, Ifeoluwa Vivian Adegbie, Prince “Uhunoma” Charles, Akumbu Uche, and Michelle Umobong.
“Over the next month, the first cohort of our residents will immerse themselves in their projects with the support of our foundation. We are honored to provide a space for these creatives working across art curating, literature, photography, and filmmaking, to actualize their creative ideas while working towards the growth of their professional practice.”
The residency will provide accommodation and a stipend of $500 to augment living expenses, with a separate amount for ground transportation within Nigeria. At the end of the residency, the selected participants are expected to give a presentation of their work, with support from Angels and Muse.
Artist Spotlight: Peter Uka
Peter Uka (b. 1975) devises figurative paintings which draw from his childhood memories of Nigeria. With classical training in realistic figuration, Uka combines various image references of time-specific objects with images from his memory to convey innate and timeless human emotion.
Scenes of growing up in Nigeria, including elements like afro hairstyles and bell-bottom jeans, bright mannerisms, and local customs are captured in vibrant, visual narrative. His compositions also capture international trends from the late 20th century and the ways globalization connects countries around the world. These narratives uncover historical precedents of globalization and dynamic cultural signifiers connecting two countries that Uka calls home, while reminding the rest of the world of collective reciprocity, closeness, and connection.
Uka completed his studies at the Kunstakademiein Düsseldorf, and has exhibited at the National Museum Onikan (Lagos, Nigeria), among others. He lives and works in Cologne, Germany.
On view:
Anchors: A group exhibition of original prints by Chigozie Obi, Daëna Ladéesse, Mobolaji Ogunrosoye, Myles Igwebuike, and Falida Nkomo at Fresco Gallery. (August 10 - September 15, 2024)
Cadence: The Museum of Modern Art presents a new site-specific commission by Nigerian-Belgian artist, Otobong Nkanga. (October 10, 2024 to June 8, 2025)
Boundless: A group exhibition features work by Sinalo Ngcaba, Kay-Leigh Fisher, Naledi Modupi, Puseletso Masemene, Thamani Bugagawuli Nobakada, Sagwadi Mohlabi, Zanele Montle, Rirhandzu Vermeulen, PR$DNT HONEY and Mbali Ngobile Mdikane at Kalashnikovv Gallery. (June 5 - September 15, 2024).
