Images are a social medium, a means of communication, connection, and a conversation igniter. Well, at least that’s what the ‘New Photography 2023” exhibition at MOMA presents. The exhibition focuses solely on Nigerian artists, particularly in the region of Lagos. Let’s explore the featured artists in this spectacular event.
In the quest to uncover the essence of Lagos, I ask myself, “What lies beneath its vibrant façade?”
” Hazy II” portrays the symmetrical powerful yet soft beauty of urban life., to put it in Logos’ own words,’
Art is where imagination meets erudition, and through my photographs, I hope to show that I care. I care about life and its design. I want to engage with it and feel it.
The Image itself provides a perfect view and detailed lens of the bridge. Additionally, its relation to the subject is flawlessly depicted within the photo. To say that he cares is an understatement. His work not only shows the beauty in the abstract and ‘ less colorful ‘ de[piction of Lagos, which is always so bold and vibrant.
‘Hazy’ is a part of the monochrome Lagos series which begs the question, What if we stripped Lagos of its color? I find myself pondering over this question will it be the same?” of course yes! Logos works are exceptional and are an anchor to the whole exhibition.
Yagazie Emezi
Yagazie Emezi, the dynamic Nigerian artist and self-taught photojournalist, is on a mission to reshape narratives surrounding African women. With a keen focus on their health, sexuality, education, and human rights, Emezi’s captivating work sparks conversations on identity, culture, social justice, climate change, and migration across the continent.
I work in collaboration with the people I photograph and the stories they choose to share. Moreover, I believe that a good photograph is created before a camera is used. I work by waiting, watching, and talking. -Yagazie Emezi speaking on her process in an interview with MOMA
Using the powerful mediums of photography and sculpture, Emezi fearlessly critiques Nigeria’s socio-political landscape while exploring the influence of media in shaping society.
Her art pulls inspiration from both historical contexts and current events, creating visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces.
She photographed the October 2020 #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, capturing powerful and thought-provoking moments. The photographs depict the voices of young people calling for an end to police brutality and disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The images serve as a reminder of the importance of speaking up against injustice and fighting for a better future.
Amanda is one special Photographer. Her art aims to preserve, document, and celebrate the beauty of architecture, capturing the essence of her home country and continent.
I was born and raised in Lagos and have witnessed the changing visual landscape of the city. I often say to myself that when I was younger, there was a lifestyle that Lagos promised me.– Amanda
Inspired by the changing visual landscape of Lagos, Amanda showcases the lifestyle it once promised—garages, gardens, and sunlit spaces. However, the current box-like structures lack personality and consideration. From Afro-Brazilian to Colonial to Afromodernism, each style mirrors societal changes and needs. For instance, “The Way of Life” series delves into the historical aspects of Lagos. Her photographs document the Casa de Fernandez, a colonial-era building that once housed slaves in the 1840s.
Through her soft-toned and considered images, Iheme captures the fading remnants of Lagos’ past, revealing the layers of history that still exist within the city. By documenting these buildings, she preserves what worked, inspiring future designs. Beyond aesthetics, these structures hold historical and cultural significance, reflecting the community’s evolution.
Serendipity, and happenstance, are of extreme importance, intuitively responding to the epiphany of the moment, nanoseconds of clarity that swiftly, almost imperceptibly, go by. – Akinbode Akinbiyi
Rather than focusing on humanity, Akinbode’s art focuses on humanity among humanness. The everydayness of humans in their everyday lives. their mannerisms, and how they relate to each other. He shows distinct relativity in how humans interact with each other and in their daily lives.
In his interview, he states that his subjects are perpetually in motion, His efforts focus on perceiving her, envisioning her eternal essence. The camera’s aperture and shutter prove insufficient to fully capture and construct his subjects hence resulting in fragmented images that depict the subjective perspective.
In the end, the observers endeavor to transcend this subjectivity. They acknowledge its presence while immersing themselves in their surroundings, simply aspiring to exist. His photographs of Bar Beach on Victoria Island reflect the changes that have occurred over time. Once a site of public executions, the beach has transformed into a bustling and mundane part of daily life. Akinbiyi’s warm black-and-white palette creates a sense of unity between the sand and water, symbolizing the resilience and spirituality of the people of Lagos.
Abraham Oghobase
Abraham Oghobase’s layered manipulations of photography on texts provide a backbone for the exhibition. His works explore the colonial period in Nigeria, challenging the limits of the medium and creating a visual dialogue between n past and the present.
Through my work, I strive to confront and dismantle historical oppression, transforming it into empowerment.- Abraham Oghobase.
For Abraham, photography is a visual language and photographs are tangible objects. He contemplates his images based on the frequencies and the vibrations they emit. By engaging with photography and collections, he explores, inspects, and reflects. Recognizing images’ influence on history, he selects which aspects to embrace or challenge. Employing techniques like printing, photocopying, and collage, he dismantles and deconstructs, aiming to empower and protect. This yields fragments and new narratives. Through this, he actively challenges forces like stereotypes and generalizations imposed upon the Black body in photography.
Abraham Oghobase’s layered manipulations of photography on texts provide a backbone for the exhibition. His works explore the colonial period in Nigeria, challenging the limits of the medium and creating a visual dialogue between n past anthe d present.
The exhibition as a whole offers a compelling and nuanced glimpse into the vibrant and complex city of Lagos. Each artist brings a unique perspective, contributing to a collective narrative that celebrates the resilience, history, and spirit of the Nigerian people. The choice to focus on Lagos is significant, as it is a city that demands patience, work, and grit to truly understand and appreciate. The exhibition invites viewers to delve into the depths of Lagos and explore the extraordinary art that emerges from it.
“New Photography 2023” is not just a showcase of images; it is an immersive experience that sparks conversations, challenges perceptions, and invites viewers to see the world through the lens of these talented Nigerian artists. It is a testament to the power of photography as a medium of expression and a celebration of the rich artistic heritage of Lagos.
