Emeka Ogboh, Ojuelegba 2023. A multisensory installation with art, music, and culture.

Emeka Ogboh’s multisensory installation captures the vibrant essence of Ojuelegba with a captivating blend of art, music, and culture, immersing visitors in a dynamic fusion of visual and auditory experiences.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

HAVERFORD, PA –Presently on display at the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery at Haverford College is Ojuelegba, a groundbreaking multisensory installation by Nigerian artist Emeka Ogboh. Drawing inspiration from the intricate tapestry of Ojuelegba, situated in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, Ogboh’s installation seamlessly weaves together visual and auditory elements, creating a captivating experience.

Located in the Surulere local government area of Lagos State, Ojuelegba is a bustling epicenter within Lagos. It connects the Mainland and the Island and facilitates the commute between neighboring districts such as Yaba, Mushin, and Surulere.

Ojuelegba is a bustling environment where cacophonic chatterings converge with zeal. Nightfall in Ojuelegba is even more vibrant. It ushers in a kaleidoscope of experiences marked by pulsating nocturnal fervor. The luminosity extended to the red-light district, tracing its roots from Ayilara Street through the labyrinthine corridors of Clegg Street.

Ogboh brings together the narrative intricacies, the tapestry of Ojuelegba, and the dynamic interplay of life in this pulsating new project. His immersive piece converges randomly selected facets from Ojuelegba’s surroundings, seamlessly harmonizing with the rhythmic cadences found in his musical masterpiece at coordinates 6°30′33.372″N 3°22′0.66″E. The result is an auditory portrait meticulously crafted from the fabric of daily life within the district. It gives birth to an ever-shifting and dynamic installation. Each interaction with this artistic creation becomes a singular experience, echoing the perpetual metamorphosis inherent to Ojuelegba itself.

Ojuelegba: Beyond Traditional Exploration

Ogboh’s artistic methodology surpasses traditional exploration, delving deeply into a multisensory experience of places. This exploration encompasses not only sight and hearing but also taste, smell, and touch. Ogboh’s installations and gastronomic endeavors serve as collages of sensory components. They aim to unravel the translation, transformation, and encoding of private, public, and collective memories into a rich tapestry of diverse sensorial encounters. His oeuvre transcends into the domain of sensory perception. It captures our intricate connection to the world, shaping our comprehension of reality. Additionally, it provides a platform to confront critical issues like migration, globalization, and post-colonialism.

Beyond the visual and auditory realms, Ogboh recently immersed himself in the world of music. His inaugural album, “Beyond the Yellow Haze,” debuted on the Ostgut Ton sublabel A-TON in 2021. Continuing this musical odyssey, Ogboh released his second album, “6°30′33.372″N 3°22′0.66″E,” under his self-founded label, Danfotronics, in 2022.

Ogboh on the Global Stage

Ogboh’s artistic prowess has graced numerous international platforms. They include Documenta 14 in Athens and Kassel (2017), Skulptur Projekte Münster (2017), the 56th edition of La Biennale di Venezia in Italy (2015), and the Dakar Biennale (2014). His creations also find a revered place in esteemed art collections worldwide. They include MoMA, Tate Modern, and The Smithsonian Museum of African Art. Others are The Contemporary Art Collection of the Federal Republic of Germany, MMK Frankfurt, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and The Centre Pompidou Paris, among others.

Emeka Ogboh’s Ojuelegba at the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery is a testament to the artist’s ability to transcend traditional artistic boundaries. This groundbreaking multisensory installation not only captures the vibrant essence of Ojuelegba but also immerses visitors in a dynamic fusion of visual and auditory experiences. It shows the power of the intersectionality of art and music.

Ojuelegba encapsulates the spirit of a specific locale and contributes to a broader exploration of diverse soundscapes and auditory practices. Ogboh’s creation, with its seamless integration of various sensory elements, is a powerful conduit for confronting critical issues and shaping our comprehension of reality.

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