By JAPHET ALAKAM

Mothers are special breed of people and their roles in the upbringing of any child can not be quantified. Though some people do not see it that way, hence they treat their mothers any how, many see them as that special breed and they demonstrate that with the way they treat them. And it was as a result of that special role that a popular song dedicated to celebrate motherhood in Nigeria by Prince Nico Mbarga, titled Sweet Mother in the 70s has become a Nigerian anthem.

In the same vein, the Omenka gallery yesterday opened Karl Ohiri’s first solo show in Nigeria tagged Sweet Mother.  The exhibition which takes its title from that special song by Mbarga runs from May 6 to 21 at Omenka Gallery, Lagos, and features a collection of photographs and videos of autobiographical works focusing on the artist’s mother, created over a 5-year period.

Using the camera as a tool to reconcile fears, fantasies and desires, Ohiri takes the audience on an intimate journey of love, loss and regret, presenting viewers a gaze into the relationship between a mother and son while reminding them of its universal relevance.

Some of the works include, Okra Soup, Sleeping, Morning Cigarette, Crucifix large, The dance sequence, large Coffin, large and others

Sweet Mother is part of the British Council’s UK/Nigeria 2015–16 initiative, a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships.

Karl Ohiri was born in Greenwich in 1983. His practice is situated between two overlapping points of interest: cultural studies and the human condition and primarily explored through the use of photography, text, performance and installation while employing a conceptual approach to documentary, intervention, appropriation and re-contextualization. The result is a mixture of contemporary works that are based on social commentary and personal works that are often confessional and autobiographical in nature.

His artworks have been exhibited in various venues within the UK including; The New Art Exchange, Heathrow Terminal 5 and Tate Britain. In addition to group and solo shows, he has participated in international art fairs and festivals such as; the FNB Joburg Art Fair, Viennafair, LagosPhoto Festival, Format Festival and the EM15 Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale. The exhibition is proudly sponsored by Arts Council England,British Council, UK NG and Pulse ng