Nigerian-British art historian Aindrea Emelife will curate Nigeria’s pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale

Nigerian-British art historian Aindrea Emelife will attempt to redefine Nigeria’s global art narrative by unleashing the powerful tool of imagination at the Venice Biennale.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

The 2024 Venice Biennale promises to be an unforgettable event as Nigeria proudly announces its national pavilion titled Nigeria Imaginary. This is Nigeria’s second outing at this esteemed global art event. Under the curation of Nigerian-British art historian Aindrea Emelife, the pavilion’s theme is set to showcase a remarkable intergenerational group of nine Nigerian and Nigerian diasporic artists, each contributing their unique perspective to the collective narrative.

Nigeria Imaginary promises to captivate visitors and art lovers with its unique blend of tradition, imagination, and modernity. Led by Governor Godwin Obaseki on behalf of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Culture and Information and meticulously organized by the forthcoming Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Edo, this pavilion aims to redefine Nigeria’s art narrative on the global stage. Expectations are high that this exhibition will be a remarkable and unforgettable showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.

A Bridge Between the Past and the Future

Curator Aindrea Emelife envisions Nigeria Imaginary as a captivating bridge between the past and the future, beautifully exploring the essence of Nigeria through the powerful tool of imagination. Drawing from her own Nigerian diasporic background, Emelife skillfully presents diverse perspectives of Nigeria, forging meaningful connections between viewers and the artists’ heritage. She hopes that visitors to the exhibition will step onto a canvas where imagination knows no bounds, offering glimpses of utopian ideas and dreams that transcend time and space.

A diverse array of artists, spanning different generations and disciplines, will be part of the Nigerian pavilion. The lineup includes Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Yinka Shonibare, Fatimah Tuggar, and Precious Okoyomon. Precious Okoyomon, in particular, has emerged as a standout artist in her own right, following her breakthrough performance at the 2022 Venice Biennale. Together, these artists weave a rich tapestry of creativity and vision, interlacing an unforgettable narrative that reflects the essence of Nigeria’s artistic prowess.

Boldly Challenging Conventions

Nigeria Imaginary boldly challenges the conventional portrayal of West African art. By thoughtfully incorporating lesser-known artists alongside established figures, Emelife strives to create a more holistic representation of Nigerian creativity. Within the pavilion, singular expectations are defied as it explores a diverse range of artistic mediums, reflecting the vibrant practices of both Nigerian and Nigerian diasporic artists. Expectations are that this unique approach will offer visitors a captivating and immersive experience, opening new horizons to the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s artistic expression.

Nigeria’s first outing at the Venice Biennale was in the 2017 edition. The exhibition showcased the works of Peju Alatise, Victor Ehikhamenor, and Quddus Onikeku, with curation by Adenrele Sonariwo, the founder of Lagos-based Rele Gallery. As Nigeria returns to the global art event, Nigeria Imaginary proudly continues the country’s legacy of artistic excellence, representing a robust and diverse collective of voices from the nation’s creative landscape.

Advocating for Inclusivity  

Nigeria Imaginary marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s representation at the Venice Biennale. However, it also sheds light on the underrepresentation of African countries in this global art event. In 2022, only nine out of 54 African countries hosted national pavilions, highlighting the need for efforts to address this imbalance and provide a broader platform for African voices. When the pavilion opens its doors, it will not only showcase Nigeria’s artistic prowess but also call for greater inclusivity and recognition of diverse African talents on the international stage.

Over the years, Nigeria’s art scene has flourished, garnering well-deserved recognition on the international stage. A significant indicator of this rising prominence is the Museum of Modern Art’s dedication of its New Photography series to Nigerian photographers. This recognition exemplifies the country’s growing influence in the art world. The Nigerian pavilion stands as a powerful testament to the creative energy emanating from Nigeria and its global diaspora, capturing the essence of the nation’s vibrant and diverse artistic expressions.

Nigeria Imaginary stands out within this vibrant landscape as an embodiment of the creative energy emanating from Nigeria and its global diaspora. The exhibition concept weaves together diverse perspectives, showcasing the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s artistic expressions. It proudly represents the country’s cultural heritage while also reflecting its dynamic engagement with the broader global artistic community. As visitors immerse themselves in the pavilion, there is an understanding that they will embark on a captivating journey, celebrating Nigeria’s artistry and its significant impact on the world stage.