By Japhet Davidson

Art enthusiasts, collectors, and members of the public will be immersed in an evocative collection, where each sculpture tells a story of nature’s endless capabilities as Kokopelli Art Gallery, one of the contemporary galleries in Nigeria opens a group exhibition tagged Emissaries an exhibition of sculpture.

The exhibition which will feature six of Nigeria’s distinguished artists: Reuben Ugbine, Ben Osawe, Francis Denedo, Eguasa Omodanwmen, Babatunde Affiko, and Moses Afeso will open from November 3rd to December 7th, 2024 its 17 Ademola Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. It will explore the intimate relationship between humanity and nature through the medium of wood and metal.

The featured artists; Reuben Ugbine, Ben Osawe, Francis Denedo, Eguasa Omodanwmen, Babatunde Affiko, and Moses Afeso are renowned for their ability to engage with materials on a deep level, creating works that resonate with both the rawness of the natural world and the refined touch of the human hand.
According to the statement from the gallery, “In Emissaries, each work is presented not merely as sculptures, but as messengers of nature. It speaks of the power, beauty, and wisdom embedded in it. Using materials sourced from the earth, the sculptors have transformed raw elements into profound expressions, bridging the gap between untamed nature and human ingenuity.

“Wood, once alive in ancient trees, and metal, extracted from deep within the earth, are sculpted into forms that carry a vital message: nature is not merely a passive backdrop, but an active force, capable of both nurturing and reclaiming.”

Through the works, the audience is called upon to reflect on nature’s capacities to create, destroy, heal, and endure. Each sculpture serves as a testament to the delicate balance between the natural and human worlds, reminding us that, while we shape the environment, we are also shaped by it.

“The works in Emissaries convey more than just artistic mastery,” says the exhibition’s curator. “They serve as a call to recognize nature’s profound influence on our lives and to listen to the stories embedded within the materials themselves. These artists have acted as intermediaries, bringing messages from the forest, and telling stories, offering us the chance to reflect on our connection to our environment.”
Emissaries will be celebrating the intersection of art and the environment in this thought-provoking and visually stunning exhibition.