By Japhet Alakam

It was another wonderful outing for artist and teacher, Raqib Bashorun, who is unarguably, one of the most prominent contemporary artists in Nigeria as he unleashed another knock on the failure of Nigerian leaders in his solo exhibition tagged Realm of Freedom, an exhibition of recent work by leading contemporary sculptor Raqib Bashorun.

The exhibition which features about 19 works opened at Omenka Gallery on March 18  and will run to April 5.

With the use of steel, bronze, enamel, as well as leather, brass and spark plugs, the artist who has maintained an active studio practice accompanied by a rigorous exhibition schedule that have all, but contributed to his prominence as one of the most significant artists working in Nigeria today, brings to the fore various socio-political issues including quest for better Nigeria and the change mantra of this administration.  “This body of work was inspired by the thought of the common agitations we all share irrespective of race, tribe or nationality and the tsunami of hardships meted out to us,” he opined.

Omenka

In his characteristic way, Bashorun through the body of works, continues to incorporate in his work, found materials from his immediate environment, most notably metal in form of aerosol and soda cans, as well as domestic accessories like table cutlery. The exhibition is a continuation of experiments that began in the past decade, and which still remain a key feature of his oeuvre. For a man who does not believe in waste, getting materials for his work is not a problem.

Some of the works include, Unfulfilled promises, Dreaded  Muose, Cruel Crown, Organised kiosks, Congestion zone, Remains of old glory, Slow and Steady and others.

On the theme  Realm of Freedom he said, “I don’t feel free, I don’t see any Nigerian that is free to be honest with you. With all that we have, we are not really free. For example, the police is supposed to be your friend, but they are not, that is why each time you see them, you are worried. So it is for customs and others. Generally, the reception you get as a Nigerian is that of not being free.”

On the works, he said they are unique in their special ways unlike his previous shows, “in the past I tried to look at the body of works but in this exhibition it is not so. The only thing that ties the works is the colour red, which is a reflection of what is happening in the country. We are tensed up, though red connote  many things, but in this case, it connotes danger.”

On the piece, Cruel Crown, which was inspired by the political situation and action of the leaders, the artist said “ the so called leaders call themselves honourable,  but I don’t see what is honourable in what they do. I look at politics in Nigeria as organised crime and that is why I call it Cruel Crown, they are there, they punish us on daily basis and make laws that do not benefit the masses.” On Unfulfilled promises, which depicts a dry tap, it shows how they make promises and fail. Examples are ‘water for all in 2000’, ‘house, food for all in year 2010’, etc. But none of the promises has been fulfilled.

But the ugly thing is t questioning them, they are quite.

In his comments, Oliver Enwonwu, the curator said, “Bashorun’s latest solo builds upon from his past experiences. Borrowing from the constructivists and expressionists, Bashorun’s skill is evident in his ability to effortlessly blend metal, wood and other found objects. Design is central to the artist’s oeuvre, his leading dictated by his materials. Indeed, Raqib Bashorun like all Nigerians yearns for a state of utopia, of bliss, and of freedom – a Nigeria wherein all are offered respite away from the effects of the recklessness and impropriety of her leaders.”