By JAPHET ALAKAM

When a research conducted by some groups revealed that Nigeria was one of the most happiest people on earth, many Nigerians questioned that. Their reaction was based on the fact that the country was faced with a lot of problems that subjects them to much suffering, but another look at the finding proves that it is real, as despite the sufferings they still forge ahead.

This is true of Nigeria as despite that avalanche of problems that average Nigeria face on daily basis, they still find time to work and do other things, these fact are what the Delta state and Auchi trained painter, Jonathan Mavua Lessor shares his experience in his latest exhibition titled Amidst the Mire.

The exhibition which opened at Alexis Galleries,Victoria Island, Lagos on the October 25th and ended yesterday was another way of showing in visual expression, Nigerian people’s resilience to the increasing state of socio-economic decline in the land. It featured about 40 pieces of paintings, mixed media, that was done in the last two years.

Cans of life by Lessoe

Speaking about the theme, Lessor said that it is the theme he chose because of the circumstances he passed while producing the works from 2012-2014. If you look around the world, a lot has happened within this period, tension here and there, ironically, those things spurred him into strong creative realm. “there was the fuel subsidy crisis of 2012, Boko Haram, kidnap of the Chibok girls, political issues, Ebola etc tension around the country and if you go beyond the country, the Middle East crisis, Ukraine, Egypt, so much depressions have been around us,” He stated. So it could be said that it was in the midst of all these unfriendly circumstances that led to the making of the works, the theme to him is the umbrella that covers all the works he did within this period.

When I look at these things I ask myself, what do I do, and I concluded that, there is no need to surrender to the problems, rather Nigerians need to look at it from the positive angle that in the midst of these we still have to work; life must go on and it was in such situation that I rediscovered and strengthened my mixed media technique .He also disclosed that he focusing on new materials; using fabrics. For the Auchi trained artist who has been a consistent impressionist in his over two decades studio career, the exhibition featured some of the works that may redefine his art in the future.

In all, the body of works displayed showed very rich images that address some of the issues that have happened within this period in Nigeria and the world at large. Some of the works include Crown 1&2, a series that celebrate woman and their hair. The work looks at the women and the hairs they do, the attachment they put on, which most African cultures regard as their crown. Here the artists celebrates the elegance of feminine posture of the women hair, but noted that the African native hair style is missing. In another work titled Cans of life, a painting that depicts a man with a barrow filled with cans of water. Here the artists draws the attention of the government to the shortage of portable waters in most cities. A situation that has forced many to patronise water vendors who supply water to them, no matter how safe the water is.

The exhibition had George Edozie and a director at Alexis Galleries, Patty Chidiac as curators. Speaking about the show, Chidiac noted that Lessor has the style, form and technique that fits into the contemporary time. As usual, the exhibition which is promoted by Alexis Galleries’ sponsors, has the backing of the following: Leventis, Litho-Chrome The Homestores , Art Café, Veuve Clicquot, wazobia FM, Nigeria info and cool Fm, Wazobia TV, Cool TV, The Avenue Suites, arra vineyards and ISN Internet Solutions Nigeria Limited.