Nigerian artists shine at Spanish embassy exhibition
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The second and third place winners of the 2024 Spain-Nigeria Visual Art Contest were celebrated at an exhibition held in Abuja on Monday, under the theme “Translating Arts into a Common Language.”
The exhibition showcased the impressive works of two standout artists; Hezekiah Obidare, the second-place winner, and Kenan Peter, the third-place winner.
The event, hosted by the Spanish Embassy, highlighted the creative accomplishments of Nigerian artists and the ongoing collaboration between Spain and Nigeria in the arts.
The First Secretary of the Spanish Embassy, Juan Martín, praised the significance of the competition and its role in fostering artistic exchange.
Martín pointed to the works of renowned Spanish artists such as Salvador Dalí, de Sique, and Peter Herrera, whose pieces were featured in the exhibition.
He stated the impact of the competition on young Nigerian artists, encouraging them to pursue their artistic careers with passion and perseverance.
He also acknowledged the support of the Society of Nigerian Artists and the National Gallery of Art, which made the event possible.
“This event has been a long journey since the competition began in 2006. Through this initiative, 19 Nigerian artists have had the opportunity to travel to Spain and immerse themselves in Spanish and international art,” Martín said.
The first secretary also expressed the Embassy’s continued commitment to supporting Nigerian artists and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
“We are excited as we plan for the 20th anniversary of the competition and look forward to further promoting emerging Nigerian talent,” he added.
In his remarks, the President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Suleiman, commended the Spanish Embassy for its sustained support over the years.
Suleiman reflected on the progress made in the Nigerian art scene, highlighting the opportunity for artists to travel to Spain, the high quality of works on display, and the ongoing efforts to push Nigerian art to the international stage.
The president further acknowledged the Embassy’s role in facilitating cultural exchanges, from curators to art specialists, and reaffirmed the Society’s gratitude for the ongoing partnership.
“The Spanish Embassy has done a lot for Nigerian artists, and we are deeply thankful for their efforts,” he said.
Obidare’s piece, ‘The Blossom of My Heritage’, explores African pottery as a symbol of identity and resilience, using the pot as a metaphor for nurturing and tradition.
“In The Blossom of My Heritage is my exploration of African pottery as a profound symbol of identity, community and resilience. Through this series, I reimagine the humble pot beyond its utilitarian function, elevating it as a vessel of cultural memory and human connection. By using the pot as the head of a human figure, I emphasise its significance in my heritage, portraying it as a metaphor for nurturing, creativity and the enduring spirit of tradition.
“I see each of my artworks as timeless evidence of the craftsmanship and artistry that define African pottery, reflecting the intricate skill passed down through generations. My pots are adorned with symbolic patterns to embody specific cultural identities while simultaneously representing a universal human experience.
“Despite our differences in language, culture and upbringing, we all share a common “container” which is our minds, thoughts and inner worlds that underscores the interconnectedness of humanity,” Obidare explained.
His vibrant colours and intricate patterns reflect the deep cultural significance of African pottery and the universal human experience it represents.
Peter’s work, in turn, tackles the erasure of Black identities from historical narratives. His series reimagines historical figures such as Black Caesar, Black Geisha, and Yasuke, the Black Samurai, placing them within a global context and challenging exclusionary narratives.
“My work seeks to translate history into a more inclusive visual dialogue,” Peter explained. “It highlights the resilience and legacy of Black figures whose stories have often been forgotten or marginalised.”
