Encomium
Victoria Island, Lagos witnessed creative artworks on November 16th, 2024, as Alexis Galleries, in partnership with The Macallan, hosted Mirrors of Our Time —an exhibition that brought together the mastery of Nigerian artists and the rich flavours of premium whisky. The gallery became a space where culture and craftsmanship thrived, leaving guests captivated at every turn.
This remarkable exhibition celebrated the extraordinary talents of nine Nigerian artists, showcasing their breathtaking artworks that reflected the richness of local culture and contemporary themes. The artworks hung by the wall and around the gallery were thought-provoking pieces that breathed life into the walls, meticulously crafted by some of Nigeria’s most gifted artists. Oscar Ukonu’s pieces drew the viewer in with their intricate details, while Olawale Moses offered a bold commentary on modern life. Celesta Jonah’s delicate creations whispered stories of tradition, contrasting beautifully with Kingsley Ayogu’s dynamic expressions of social issues. David Otaru’s work radiated warmth and colour, inviting onlookers to engage with the essence of identity. Jacqueline Suowari’s art shone with themes of identity and nationalism, while Arinze Stanley Egbengwu’s pieces sparked curiosity with their layered meanings. Oliver Okolo’s artworks combined traditional and contemporary elements, while Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka concluded the exhibition with compelling pieces that challenged perception. Together, these remarkable artists created an unforgettable environment that breathed life into the gallery, leaving a lasting impression on all who experienced it.
One of the artists, David Otaru, also known as Kaydee, shared the inspiration behind his artwork, “My work is mainly inspired by nostalgia. I grew up in the 90s, and my art reflects that era in a modern way. I use negative imagery in my pieces to create a more interactive experience for the audience.”
The theme, ‘Mirrors of Our Time’, was poignant. Each artwork seemed to reflect intricate fragments of our shared humanity—culture, identity, struggle, and triumph—all through the unique lens of the artists. Every corner of the gallery offered something extraordinary, and guests wandered through in awe, uncovering new layers of meaning and emotion with each glance, as if the artwork was inviting them into a dialogue about the human experience.
Jacqueline Suowari while speaking on her artwork shared that: “My work revolves around identity. As a Nigerian woman, I focus on infusing themes of modernism into cultural identity. In my body of work titled Idia’s Son, I explored the future of modernism and cultural identity. The subject in the piece is dressed in aso ebi, an attire traditionally worn during Nigerian festivities. For another piece, Sunset in Banana Island, I blended modernism and cultural identity to reflect how Nigerian women can dress for festivals today, a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles.”
The guests enjoyed a visual experience as their eyes danced across the canvases, and their noses caught hints of oak and spices wafting from glasses of The Macallan; savouring every sip of the iconic whisky. Conversations flowed as freely as the whisky as the artists mingled among the crowd, eager to share the stories behind their works.
