By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor

Nostalgia, a collection of the trajectory of Nigerian contemporary art and its impact on our future, opened for VIP viewing on May 31, 2024, at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. It was organized Mesh Gallery.  

The Nostalgia art exhibition features works by the legendary Bruce Onobrapeya (low relief metal etching, 1987), Josy Ajiboye, Ben Udeze (with one of his works, “Rough Play”, dated as far back as 1960), Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, Greg Onyeka (unmistakable in his usual signature of bright, captivating colors and human faces hidden behind intricate cubism), Kehinde Balogun, Edosa Oguigo, Duke Asidere, Mufu Onifade, Kehinde Balogun, Odogwu Fidelis (welded metals), Steve Ekpenisi, Alao Luqman and Tony Enebeli.

Curator of the exhibition and also one of the exhibiting artists, Mufu Onifade, fsna, who described the works as a collection of nostalgic pieces, said in his curatorial statement that they are “a tip of the artistic iceberg that reintroduces us to the refreshing beauty and priceless nature of contemporary Nigerian art.”

“This collection,” Onifade said, “is a gathering of the greats who cut across generation. It is a convergence of colour and creativity. It is a festive mood that permeates ages and mood. Indeed, it is a great pleasure bringing these fascinating and impressive talents together in a pool of appreciation and celebration.

According to the curator, the “group exhibition of masters of various cadres and categories is a testimony to the richness of Nigeria’s aesthetic legacies.”

A total of 25 works by 12 artists are on display at the exhibition. “This exotic collection of exquisite and alluring art pieces is not only nostalgic but also a reminiscent of the limitless beauty of Nigeria’s culture. Like a sweet ripped kola nut, Mesh Gallery has brought to you, a combination of life and peace to relish,” wrote Mufu Onifade.