Unearthing identities, the stories of six photographers
Continued from page 22
Oshalusi’s work has featured in publications such as, Elle USA, Conde Nast, Mania, among other. He is a self-taught photographer with training stints from various accomplished photographers around the World.
On his part, Daniel Obasi said his works, including those currently on the exhibition floor are often guided by certain Afrocentric idealism. The 23-year old said he is currently developing a heartfelt style that takes viewers into ever-evolving imagination. Like Oshalusi, Obasi is also a self-taught photographer who takes on a rather symbolic and metaphorical approach to his works.
Though a menswear stylist based in London, Ola Ebiti said his works often reflect Nigerian history with bias for highlife between the ‘40s and ‘60s, which he merges with contemporary menswear fashion.
“These images aim to transcend region, hopefully creating a rich visual landmark for Nigerians, but also create relevant visual language within the international menswear scene. As a stylist my approach to Gbam is focused on the traditional Nigerian look and how it can be translated to the current times,” Ebiti said.
For another 23-year old selftrained fine art photographer, Kadara Enyeasi, a good photograph is driven by a narrative, a good eye through the camera, which always sees something that wills the audience in.
“My works are generally influenced with an understanding My works have availed me the opportunity to influence the international community and I have been privileged to show at a private exhibition by McKinsey & Company. It is my aspiration to be a major driving force in the recognition of art in Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” Ash said. of form, space and perspective; mostly due to my background training as an architect. My early influences stretch from the high concept layered order of the ‘five points’ postulated by Le Corbusier to the classic avantgarde portraitures of the early West African photographers. Images created by me, seem to riff with shadows of everyday sexual provocation,” Enyeasi said.
For an Estate Management graduate of Covenant University, Ota, Chidi ‘Lex Ash’ Ashimole, he said his images are consistent in evoking feelings and connects with whoever comes across them.
“I am particular about visual storytelling, art directing, poetry and natural aesthetics. My works have availed me the opportunity to influence the international community and I have been privileged to show at a private exhibition by McKinsey & Company. It is my aspiration to be a major driving force in the recognition of art in Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” Ash said.
A White Space Creative Agency founder who is also the exhibition co-Curator, Papa Omotayo described ‘Gbam!’ as an exhibition that showcases the exciting diversity of images currently being created by a new generation of Nigerian visual artists. He said from his observations, the works are fluid, referential, charged with self-reflection and steeped in the narrative and contradictions of modern contemporary African identity and style.
On her part, Obiago said, “Gbam! broadens the common perception of fashion photography as an art form and spreads its tentacles wide to provide socioeconomic critique as it questions perfection vis-à-vis identity, equality and traditional norms and expectations.”
A fashion editor and writer, Mazzi Odu, who was also at the pre-exhibition briefing noted that the six photographers draw on cultural historical roots and attempt to divine their essence whilst simultaneously presenting “a balanced, sometimes ambiguous whole, one that belongs entirely in the present, and may, possibly point to a new, bolder, more beautiful future.”
Organisers said Gbam! will be on stand for three months, running across June till September 2018.