By Chukwuma Ajakah

The upcoming exhibition on “Form and Canvas”, featuring the captivating works of two visionary artists, Nurudeen Popoola, a painter, and Segun Okewumi, a sculptor at the prestigious Q Gallery, Apapa, Lagos holds enormous possibilities for art lovers in Lagos and the suburbs. This momentous occasion which fuses the vibrant, two-dimensional world of painting and the tactile, three-dimensional realm of sculpture, promises viewers an immersive and delightsome experience that will ignite their imagination.

In a Press Preview held to herald last Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the curatorial team revealed that the exhibition aptly tagged “Roots and Horizons” will open at 3: 00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23 and run daily through April 14, 2025. Set amidst the elegant surrounding of Q Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Apapa, Lagos, the exhibition is billed to provide prospective viewers the rare opportunity of exploring the intricate dialogue between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.

While Unveiling their plan for the event, the curatorial team-Moses Ohiomokhare and Oke Gabriel, revealed that “The two artists employ a variety of media to bridge the gap between history and innovation, offering a thought-provoking dialogue about the complexities of belonging, movement,  and evolution in both personal and collective contexts, they provide an invitation to reconsider the boundaries of time and space, encouraging the viewer to find connection and meaning across generations, cultures, and experiences.” Oke had wooed the public and arts enthusiasts to the art space during one of such exhibitions in 2024, saying: “We want the public to know that there is a great gallery in Apapa. Our gallery has the luxury of space, peace and serenity that go in the rhythm of the artworks, creating an atmosphere of relaxation, conversation, and networking.” 

Expressing the hope that the exhibition would create a fascinating visual conversation for the viewers, the curatorial team assures that “Roots and Horizons will take us through the dynamic relationship between heritage and progress, not grounding us in the past while urging us to envision, new possibilities for the future.” The curators reveal that the exhibition would delve into the ways “Our roots, be they culture, familial, or geographical, shape our understanding of identity, while our horizons represent the aspirations, dreams, and untapped potentials that push us forward.”

The inspiring artists who are alumni of the famous Yaba College of Technology, Yabtech in this harmonious union of colour, texture, and form are embarking on this journey of discovery and inspiration with unmitigated passion as they showcase unique perspectives of artistic voices in celebration of the beauty, diversity, and richness of contemporary art. In line with its avowed philosophy, Q Gallery is hosting the new exhibition in a vibrant art space, fostering a creative and dynamic community of artists and art enthusiasts. The exhibition will reflect the beauty of collaboration as the duo showcases the benefits of ideal mutual relationship in the making of fascinating art.

 “Roots and Horizons” features 31 artworks, reflecting diverse socio-cultural, economic, and political realities in the society. Nurudeen’s works consist of 15 paintings, including the following: Petals and Ponderance (Mixed Media on Canvas- 36 inches Diameter), Expectation (Acrylic on Canvas-36 X48 inches), Black, White and More (Mixed Media on Canvas -36×48 inches), I Would be Your Hero (Acrylic on Canvas-48 x48 inches) E wa fun mi Visa- Japa Series (Acrylic on Canvas- 48x 48 inches), and The Future is Ours (Acrylic on Canvas- 48x 60 inches). On the relevance of his artistry to society, Nurudeen says, “My practice is centered on creating artworks that communicate the modernity of Africanism. I intend to stimulate the beholder’s reasoning of the possible reality of combining African culture with assimilated foreign traditions without losing touch of who we are.”

By combining discarded materials with symbolic storytelling, Segun projects the view that “Our origins ground us, while our potential to grow is limitless” through the following works: Crafting Identity Through Adversity  (Metal, car door, bolt and nuts, scrap, brass), The Cocoon- a Mother’s Care from Inner World (Soapstone and Metal), and Shield of Warmth (Soapstone and Metal),  Wraps of Passion (Soapstone and Metal), Undecorated African Hero (Metal), Each One, Teach One (Metal, Wood and Epoxy), Sparkles from the Renaissance (Metal), In Daddy’s Arm I Am Tall  (Metal and Brass), Shattered by His Own (Metal and Neodymium Stereo Magnet) and Guided by Wisdom (Metal and Brass).

Segun is a multidimensional artist with the uncanny ability to manipulate materials for sculpture, creating captivating artworks, embedded with amazing stories. He explores education, culture, and colonialism as dominant subject matters, masterfully linking them to the central theme of the event. Through works like “Undecorated African Hero”, he reveals that education is the bedrock of civilization and the best legacy parents can bequeath their children. His passionate dedication to studio work has culminated in enthralling innovations that distinguish him as an inspiring experimental artist. Although he describes himself as “an emerging artist”, Segun’s works so profoundly connect to society that they resonate with virtually every viewer. “My work explores the transformative potential of discarded materials, challenging societal perceptions of waste by giving these items new identities and functions,” he says, adding, “By repurposing metal scraps and other found objects, I create narratives that highlight resilience, identity, and the beauty within overlooked things. This process mirrors the human experience, revealing that no one is without purpose, and everyone possesses an innate potential waiting to be discovered.”

Moreover, Segun readily identifies with the theme, saying, “Roots and Horizons” resonates deeply with my practice. My recent series, “In Daddy’s Arm I Am Tall” and “Crafting Identity through Adversity” reflect personal and collective histories, connecting deeply with the concept of roots, the grounding forces of family, and heritage. Works like my Basquiat inspired car bonnet sculpture and soapstone carvings explore the expansive horizons of identity, creativity, and cultural influence, pushing boundaries and reimagining possibilities. Through my sculptures, I blend symbolic narratives with multicultural perspectives, informed by my continuous learning in workshops, residences, and practice.”

Nurudeen has featured in many exhibitions and has won multiple awards, including the Overall Best Graduating Student in School of Art, Design and Printing, Yabatech (2016), Best Student in Painting Section (2014) and (2015), Best Painting/Mixed Media @ LIMCAF (2018). He has also participated in national and international art events such as Green Fuse Exhibition at Graham Contemporary, Johannesburg, South Africa, and Dak’Art Biennale, Senegal (2022), United Nations Information Centre Art Exhibition (2017), Last Act at Thought Pyramid, Lagos (2023), and Off Confines with Dr. at Q Gallery (2024).

The curators assure viewers of a rewarding experience as the art exhibition will showcase the thought provoking collections of these innovative artists with unique perspectives on artistic expressions, inspiration, and creativity, embedded with life-transforming stories.