Culture

Spanish Embassy, Nigerian Artists Celebrate Two Decades of Cultural Exchange in Abuja

Published

10 months ago

October 27, 2025

Visual Art Competition celebrates 20 years in Abuja as Spanish Embassy and Nigerian artists mark decades of creativity and cultural collaboration

Visual Art Competition reached a remarkable milestone on Thursday night as the Pyramid Art Gallery in Abuja hosted a glittering celebration of its 20th anniversary a testament to two decades of artistic collaboration between the Spanish Embassy and Nigeria’s vibrant creative community.

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This year’s edition, themed “Building a Common Heritage through Art,” drew artists, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts who gathered to honour a partnership that has helped bridge two cultures through visual storytelling.

Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Félix Costales, lauded the event’s impact, noting that African creativity particularly black and Afro-descendant art continues to gain strong international recognition, especially in major cities like London.

He emphasised that art is not only about creation but about how artists “portray themselves as artists in life.”

Deputy Head of Mission, María Higón, reflected on the competition’s modest beginnings in 2006 and its transformation into a platform that has spotlighted hundreds of emerging Nigerian talents.

“Two decades of creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange have exceeded by far our initial expectations,” she said, describing it as “a motivation for many emerging artists who, awarded or not, get visibility and exposure during the exhibition.”

This year’s competition showcased 23 remarkable artworks, with Lagos-based painter Olamilekan Akinsola taking the top prize for his piece ‘Sarah’s Eulogy.’ Beaming with pride, Akinsola said, “I feel so excited today. My advice for the youth is to keep working and do not give up.”

The second and third prizes went to Viroro Abeke for ‘Melodies of Moonlight’ and Bolu Oka for ‘Marks of Heritage,’ respectively.

President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Sulaiman, praised the Visual Art Competition as a powerful example of sustained international collaboration that has “enriched both the Nigerian and Spanish art landscapes.”

Past winner Helen Nzete described her victory as “a step in the right direction” and urged young creatives to remain authentic and consistent in their art.

Similarly, finalist Agbaka Oryiman said the recognition was “amazing” and encouraged youths to “wake up and chase your dreams.”

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After 20 inspiring years, the Visual Art Competition continues to stand as a shining example of how art can unite nations, nurture young talent, and build a shared heritage through creativity and cultural understanding.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”