Culture

Nigeria Showcases Artists at Abu Dhabi Art 2025 Spotlight

Published

10 months ago

November 20, 2025

Nigeria launches “Focus: Nigeria Spotlight” at Abu Dhabi Art 2025, featuring seven galleries and pioneering artists, creating pathways for global collectors, partnerships, and cultural tourism

Nigeria has unveiled its largest international art presentation to date at Abu Dhabi Art 2025, positioning the nation’s galleries and artists for unprecedented access to global collectors, cultural partnerships, and art tourism opportunities.

Also read: Abu Dhabi Art 2025 Spotlights Contemporary Talent from Nigeria to Turkey

The “Focus: Nigeria Spotlight” brings seven leading Nigerian galleries—including kò Art Space, SOTO Gallery, O’DA Gallery, AMG Projects, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery, and Ishara Gallery—to one of the world’s premier art fairs.

The showcase, running through November 23, features artists spanning the historic Osogbo School to contemporary practitioners working in painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media, exploring themes of identity, politics, and cultural place.

Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, said, “Our artists reflect who we are as a nation.

This collaboration with Abu Dhabi places Nigerian art at the centre of international cultural conversations and strengthens Nigeria’s creative economy.”

The initiative, part of the Nigeria Everywhere programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was spearheaded by Tola Akerele, CEO/GM of the National Theatre of Nigeria.

It aims to provide Nigerian galleries direct access to international collectors, curators, and cultural institutions, creating pathways for career growth and global recognition.

Osahon Okunbo, whose foundation is the showcase’s main sponsor, emphasised the long-term benefits: “This is about building bridges for Nigerian artists to reach the world.

We’re opening doors for collaborations, institutional partnerships, and relationships that strengthen the entire creative economy.”

Featured artists include Samuel Nnorom, known for sculptures incorporating Ankara wax fabric; Bara Sketchbook, whose mixed-media works explore psychological depth; and Rufus Ogundele, who fuses European styles with Yoruba visual culture.

Nigeria’s participation extends beyond Abu Dhabi Art, including National Theatre presentations and a site-specific installation in Al Ain.

Also read: Abu Dhabi promotes culture, tourism with Saadiyat Cultural District

Delegates are engaging with VIP previews, collectors, and cultural dialogues throughout the event, showcasing Nigeria as a vibrant hub for art and creativity.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”