By Matthew Johnson

Renowned visual artist, Creative Director and Founder of The Ghor Brand, Henry Open, has said that art should inspire people to pursue their dreams despite life’s obstacles, as he unveiled his thought-provoking solo exhibition titled Becoming.

The exhibition, which features 15 figurative artworks, explores themes of identity, grief, resilience, authenticity and personal transformation, while encouraging viewers to embrace their individual journeys and remain true to themselves.

Speaking at the exhibition, Opene revealed that the collection was inspired by his own struggles with identity and his determination to return to art after years of pursuing other paths due to societal and parental expectations.

According to him, Becoming reflects the different experiences, challenges and lessons that shape individuals throughout their lives.
He said: “For a long time, since I was a child, it was difficult figuring out the path I wanted to take. I always wanted to be an artist, but like many parents, mine wanted me to pursue what they considered more serious professions. Along the line, I found myself doing things I didn’t really want to do, but eventually I returned to what I have always loved.

“Every experience we have contributes to who we are today. Becoming does not happen overnight; it comes from several experiences, challenges and lessons that continue to shape us.”

Explaining the concept behind the exhibition, Opene said the 15 artworks focus on the human figure and the emotional experiences that contribute to personal development.
“The 15 artworks are figurative. They depict the human figure and the various stages of life that contribute to personal development. Viewers should pay attention to the gestures and emotions expressed through the figures,” he said.

The artist noted that beyond its aesthetic appeal, the exhibition seeks to provoke conversations around authenticity and self-acceptance, particularly at a time when social media often presents unrealistic versions of people’s lives.

“A lot of people are influenced by what they see online. Many people are not being completely real on social media platforms. I hope this exhibition encourages people to tell their true stories, embrace who they are and pursue their dreams despite the challenges around them.”

Reflecting on his personal journey, Opene said every stage of his life contributed to preparing him for his return to art.
“Everything I have done in the past has been relevant. I have always known I would come back to art. Along the way, I was building character, learning lessons and creating networks that have helped me arrive at this point.

“Social media often presents different versions of people. This exhibition encourages us to be brave enough to face ourselves honestly and boldly declare, ‘This is who I am’,” he added.

Summing up the message behind the exhibition, Opene said: “Becoming explores identity, grief and personal emotions. I hope viewers feel seen through the works and connect with the emotions expressed in them.”
One of the attendees, Idowu Aderintan, described the exhibition as one that speaks to the universal experience of growth and self-development.

According to him, the exhibition challenges individuals to aspire to greatness while positively impacting society.
“I hope people leave here inspired to become something better, something greater and something that positively impacts others.

“Every one of us can relate to becoming because we all transform from our former selves into better versions of ourselves. It’s like the journey of a butterfly passing through different stages before reaching its full potential,” Aderintan said.

Also speaking, spoken word poet and artist, Omolabake Abudu-Bhadmus, described Becoming as a compelling reminder that life is a continuous journey of transformation.

She commended Opene’s use of colour across the exhibition, saying the carefully blended tones deepen the emotional and symbolic narratives embedded in the artworks.
“Becoming is not just one thing; it is many things. It encompasses the different experiences and phases that come together to reveal a person’s true purpose and calling.

“The colours communicate their own narrative. Blue, for instance, represents a new season and the opening of a new truth. Together, the colours tell stories beyond words.
“Transformation and becoming are like siblings. They work together. Becoming requires openness to transformation, and transformation is part of the journey towards becoming who you are meant to be,” she said.

Through evocative imagery and deeply personal storytelling, Becoming invites audiences to reflect on their own life experiences, embrace authenticity and recognise that every stage of life contributes to the person they eventually become.