By Osa Mbonu-Amadi 

BOOM, a group exhibition of paintings and sculpture by 9 young artists and a master, Fidelis Odogwu who comes in as a guest artist, opened last Saturday, December 14, at Alexis Gallery, and runs till December 24, 2024.

The exhibiting artists are Olamide Ogunade, Benson Oseghe, Meshach Charity, Oluwaseun Ojebiyi, Ghemileke Adekunle, Jahyém Jombo, Paschal Ugwu, Ibrahim H. Bamidele, Richard Adusu and Fidelis Odogwu.

Mrs. Patty Chidiac Mastrogiannis, founder of Alexis Gallery in a statement for the exhibition describes the “Boom” as “paintings defining the scope of, and showcasing diverse painting styles, including metal mediums.” She says the collection is a convergence of “dynamic works that capture the energy and burst that define contemporary life…” The aims of the exhibition, says Patty, is “to inspire viewers to reconnect to reality, by transforming the intangible into tangible action.”

The participating artists spoke briefly to Vanguard:

Fidelis Odogwu, the master sculptor and guest artist brings three sculptures to Boom; “I am Innocent”, “Self Love” and “I am a Princess”. “You have to represent yourself, tell people who you are and defend yourself at any point in time,” says Odogwu concerning “I am Innocent”. “The philosophy behind it is that I am not part of anything that is happening in Nigeria; I am an artist, I’ve played my part, and I am doing it.” Odogwu’s works show the strength that emerges from self-knowledge, adaptability and acceptance.

Richard Adusu, who spoke to Vanguard through a video call from Ghana, said he brings two works to Boom; “Chest Out” and “Scarf of Many Colours”. “Chest Out,” Adusu said, “is about we being bold enough to stand up for the vulnerable and things that enslave us, and being supportive to one another. It encourages boldness.” For “Scarf of Many Colours”, he said scarf is called duku in Ghana, just like gele in Nigeria. In Ghana, duku shows the personality of the wearer, the message she wants to communicate. The scarves communicate beauty – beauty of many colours.

Gbemileke Adekunle brings “Wild Card, An Ode to Jones”, “Emerald Dream and “Black Pearl IV”. His paintings “extol the quiet beauty and resilience beyond the tentacles of human fragility and conditions,” writes the curator.  

Ibrahim H. Bamidele brings “A moment with Self”, “Love in Colours” and “Supplication”. Ibrahim says the halos – circles of light shown around or above the head of a saint or holy person to represent their holiness – are his signature in art. “Many of my works communicate my religion which is Christianity,” he says. He uses newsprints and Ankara fabrics as mediums.

Oluwaseun Ojebiyi’s “Passing the Touch” and “Fresh Beginning” show young ladies handling an old camera called Yashika. Oluwaseun reveals that his father was a photographer. “I grew up seeing his works and this type of camera,” he says. His works reconnect the past with the present.

Olamide Ogunade presents “Echoes in Stillness” and “Moment of Reflection”. The works, Ogunade said, are his “ways of documenting memories… it represents temporary situations in my life. For example, I failed WAEC seven times for seven years….I was struggling to pass before I could get admission, but when I decided to face my fears it disappeared. “One of the figures in his painting,” wrote curator Obasi, “embodies a moment of pause, drawing viewers to connect with their own memories and experiences.”

Meshach Charity contributes two works, “My Green Dress” and “Behind Bars”. On what inspired “My Green Dress” Meshach said: “I had an interactive session with my mother, and I was able to scan through her experiences; how her ambition, what she wanted to become, and how the present makes it looks unrealistic.” According to the curator, “the depicts a woman with a self-detached gaze, lost in an elusive quest for self-reaffirmation. Through this captivating portrayal, Meshach explores the woman’s journey as she reconciles her identity and belongings.”

Ben Oseghe brings two works to the exhibition – “Wheelbarrow Boys” and Dispatch Man” – from his “Man of the Year” series. Oseghe said “The body of works tries to celebrate the relentless spirit of every individual striving to change their circumstances. No matter their social status, they are worthy of the man of the year title.”

Jahyém Jombo brings two works to Boom; “Why Don’t We?”and “Breath Again”. The necks of the humans in “Why Don’t We?” are too thick and look out of proportion, but Jombo says “It is a style, and this style was developed on the idea of inventions. The landmark of inventions is humans.”

Boom is curated by Uche Obasi, and sponsored by  Macallan, Cerebral palsy center, The guardian, Aina blankson, Global, Mikano, Cobranet, Coca cola, Bombay and Sapphire, Tiger, Haier thermocool and Artcafe.