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Art

“WHEN THE SAINT’S GO MARCHING IN”: SOLDIER’S FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION

Soldier’s very first solo exhibition, titled “when the saints go marching In,” further cements his position as one of London’s fast-rising artists to keep an eye on. For his very first solo exhibition (and first exhibition where he actually uses his government name), Leonard “soldier” Iheagwam sheds more light on why he adopted the military term, his background as a member of the Igbo tribe from western Nigeria, as well as political and social commentary. attire saint (a community page on Instagram) speaks on how the name came about “Born in Lagos, the name SOLDIER is connected to the political and civil unrest during his upbringing in Lagos where no civilians were allowed to wear camouflage. SOLDIER then started painting camouflage to break this rule as it symbolized freedom and he wanted to reimagine what is portrayed as violent into something beautiful”. attire saint The exhibition, hosted by the Incubator 12 gallery in London, U.K., opened it’s doors to the audience for an immersive experience on the 17th April and will run up until the 28th of April 2024. the Exhibition features several mediums and channels to convey a very strong tone and message. A niche blog (The New Art Room) present at the exhibition describes the experience very vividly. you get to explore many different worlds within his pieces. Being greeted with distinctive sounds added to the experience positively, and you question all the pieces and what they mean to you. Looking more profound, the use of bold and bright colors pulls you into a trance where you are fixed on looking at the subject in each given piece. With inspiration from his roots, you can see how it is reflected in his art and get a sense of pride. Very talented, the ideas portrayed could inspire a whole generation. The New Art Room Aside the brilliance of the works on display, SOLDIER’s work portrays figures and relevant themes from his childhood and culture like his father,, Two time Olympic medalist Mary Onyali, boxing champion Dick Tiger figurines of Igbo soldiers during the Biafra war in eastern Nigeria and his reverend. Leonard has described his art as Igbo pop art, drawing inspiration from the Nsukka Art Movement. it’s very interesting to see a kid that ran away from home at the age of 16 to start the skate-brand “Motherlan” with his companions Olaoluwa Akeredolu-Ale “Slawn” and Onyedi, while also getting a scholarship to study graphic design has snowballed into having his own exhibition in London, and collaborating with the likes of Supreme, Louis Vuitton, and Nike, to name a few. It’s very interesting to see where his story goes form here.

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EXPLORING THE VIBRANCY OF NIGERIAN ART: 8 ARTIST YOU SHOULD KNOW

we’ve put together a list of some Nigerian Artists you should know. as we dive into the vibrant world of Nigerian art and unveil eight remarkable artists reshaping the creative landscape. From Dipo Doherty’s abstract brilliance to Ayobola Kekere-Ekun’s surreal, quilled masterpieces each artist brings a unique perspective, transcending boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide Dipo Doherty: Bridging Cultures through Abstract Expression Dipo Doherty, a U.S.-based Nigerian artist, captivates with vibrant abstract paintings exploring culture and identity. With degrees in mechanical engineering and integrated design, he brings a scholarly approach to his art while juggling a full-time IT role. Samson Bakare: From Lagos to Gucci – A Journey of Multidisciplinary Art Lagos-born Samson Bakare gained fame for his dynamic portrayals of dark-toned bodies against flowery backgrounds. His collaboration with Gucci marked a turning point, solidifying his status as a multidisciplinary artist. Ayanfe Olarinde: Scribbling Stories of Identity Ayanfe Olarinde, a contemporary visual artist, gained recognition through panel talks and collaborations with artists like Asake. Her self-taught, “scribbling” style extends beyond visual art to her contemporary clothing brand, “WWYD” (What Would You Do). Nengi Omuku: Sculpting Identity and Culture A trained sculptor, creative artist, and painter, Nengi Omuku brings a wealth of experience to the Nigerian art scene. Her mixed-media sculptures delve into the female form, cultural representation, and identity showcasing her expertise honed at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Dricky: Liberating Walls with Boundless Creativity Dricky embodies liberal art expression, from graffiti on walls to expansive murals. His artistic journey knows no bounds, reflecting pure creative impulse and a commitment to breaking free from conventional constraints. Ife Olowu: Augmented Reality and the Fusion of Art with Technology Ife Olowu pioneers the integration of science and technology into African art. His works feature hidden Augmented Reality components, such as sound and animation placing him in the spotlight for his innovative approach in the contemporary art scene. Ifenyinwa Chiamonowu Joy Exploring Igbo Afro Realism through Hyper Realistic Pencil Drawings,Chiamonowu Joy’s hyper-realistic pencil drawings labeled as Igbo Afro Realism art, delve into cultural heritage, spirituality, and African mythology. Her showcase at the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York since 2021 highlights her commitment to elevating African narratives. Ayobola Kekere-Ekun: Surrealism and Quiling – A Palette of Colorful Imagery Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, a contemporary visual artist based in Lagos, employs the surrealist technique of quilling. Her childlike, colorful imagery serves as a powerful medium to discuss themes like sexism and black identity, creating a unique and thought-provoking artistic experience.

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