A new exhibition at the National Museum in Lagos, titled ‘Deconstructing Unity,’ features four artists examining the complexities of communal identity and cultural cohesion in Nigerian daily life through their works

A compelling art exhibition titled ‘Deconstructing Unity’ has opened at the Happ Circle Gallery within the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on unity, communal identity, and cultural cohesion in Nigeria.

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The exhibition, which runs until April 30th, showcases the diverse works of four talented Nigerian artists: Moses Oghagbon, Klaranze Okhide, Kunle Ogunfuyi, and Abdulrazaq Ahmed.

Each artist presents ten artworks, totaling 40 pieces that delve into various aspects of Nigerian life, including the vibrant Argungu Fishing Festival and the subtle bonds that unite communities through shared faith and purpose.

Curated by Moses Ohiomokhare, the exhibition took approximately six months to come to fruition. Ohiomokhare explained that the concept, initiated by artist Moses Oghagbon, aims to provide a novel interpretation of the Argungu Festival series, which Oghagbon has explored for over two decades.

“Deconstructing Unity may initially appear perplexing,” Ohiomokhare stated, “as the term ‘deconstructing’ pertains to the process of reversing or revealing the unspoken truths that often elude our awareness.

In this context, the artists are adeptly guiding us through the fissures of our quotidian existence, urging us to scrutinise the very framework of our constructed realities.

The goal here isn’t to celebrate unity as a fixed ideal. It’s to examine the fractures, the overlooked routines and symbols that hold or fail to hold us together.”

The goal here isn’t to celebrate unity as a fixed ideal. It’s to examine the fractures, the overlooked routines and symbols that hold or fail to hold us together.” – Moses Ohiomokhare, Curator.

Artist Moses Oghagbon highlighted that the primary aim of the Argungu Fishing Festival is to foster unity by bringing different ethnic groups together.

His acrylic piece, “Man and Time,” captures the preparatory atmosphere the day before the festival, a moment he considers one of the event’s enigmas. He also noted the symbolic significance of collaborating with other artists to amplify the exhibition’s message of unity.

Abdulrazaq Ahmed, a multi-functional artist featured in the exhibition, explained that his works focus on the diverse elements, such as fishing, wrestling, dance, and horse riding, that converge to create the unity inherent in the Argungu Festival.

His artwork, “The Gourd of Life,” a blend of natural fibers and a gourd, explores the intricate beauty of belonging and encourages viewers to reflect on their own connections.

Art collector and Chairman of the event, Billy Osemwegie, lauded the exhibition as a testament to art’s ability to inspire and cultivate unity through culture.

“Art is a universal language that you speak,” Osemwegie remarked. “With art, you don’t care about who made it, the religion of the person or the tribe.”