Unearthing identities, the stories of six photographers
With the lens of their cameras, the ingenuities of their foresightedness and the experiences derived from years of practice, six professional photographers are currently on the Lagos exhibition floor, showcasing their products that portrays what they understand to be African.
Tagged ‘Gbam! Unearthing and Reclaiming a New Becoming’, the exhibition is being hosted by the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi and co-curated by A White Space Creative Agency and SMO Contemporary Art.
The photographers cum artists said their work seeks to question Africans’ continual unearthing, uncovering, discovering and re-imagining perfection. This they said, is inspired by their history and identity as Africans.
‘Gbam!’ presents evocative photographs by Daniel Obasi, Kadara Enyeansi, Kola Oshalusi, Lex Ash, Noma Osula and Ola Ebiti, six avant-garde fashion photographers exploring “who we are, and who we aspire to become as we explore our collective Gbam! These bold, new-generation photographers sift through our rich fashion, culture, traditions, narratives and symbols to challenge our aesthetic identity as we project a renewed understanding of perfection from a millennial standpoint,” Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, one of the co-curators and founder of SMO Contemporary Art, said.
Indeed, within the array of works, Noma Osula’s portraits of chiseled tribal marks across his subject’s striking Bantu features are juxtaposed against pink fabric, whimsically wound around a stout physical presence. Osula said he explores traditional scarification and African concept of beauty and traditional symbolism against the interplay of striking whimsical adornment.
A 25-year-old from Redeemer’s University, Osula said work often involves the use of textures, vibrant colours and gestures which draw inspiration from the regularity of everyday life in his environment. He noted that often, a slight integration of fashion and minimalism helps build the aesthetics of the portraits he tries to portray.
With over 12 years photography experience, Kola Oshalusi, 38, said he produced a documentary that depicts youths in northern Nigeria in a way that captures and evokes emotional naiveté. His works, he said, are a clustering of untainted stillness and repose within an arid, harsh landscape.
“The black and white images present a lyrical expose of young adults, always in clusters, facing forward with resilience despite their stark surroundings,” he said.
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