Nigerian artist Nengi Omuku is set to make her mark on the New York art scene with her debut solo exhibition, “Wild Things and Perennials,” at the prestigious Kasmin gallery, per artsy.net. The show, which opened on September 4th through October 24th, marks a significant milestone in Omuku’s rising career and introduces her unique artistic vision to a broader audience.
Omuku, who joined Kasmin’s roster last year, will present eight new oil paintings created on sanyan, a traditional Nigerian textile handwoven from silk and cotton. This choice of material not only showcases Omuku’s cultural roots but also adds a distinctive texture and depth to her work.
The artist’s background in traditional landscape and portraiture painting, honed during her studies at the Slade School of Fine Art, is evident in her expressive style. Omuku’s paintings feature individuals and groups set against impressionistic natural backdrops, rendered in earthy tones that evoke a sense of identity and belonging.
Coinciding with her New York debut, Omuku is also gaining recognition on the international stage. She has been selected by renowned artist Yinka Shonibare for a solo booth at Frieze London’s Artist-to-Artist section, further cementing her status as an artist to watch.
In addition to her New York show, Omuku is simultaneously presenting her first solo museum exhibition, “The Dance of the People and the Natural World,” at Arnolfini in Bristol, England. This dual presence on both sides of the Atlantic underscores the growing global interest in her work.
Omuku’s rise in the art world has been swift and impressive. With previous solo exhibitions at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery and Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, and now represented by Kasmin, she is quickly establishing herself as a significant voice in contemporary art. Her exploration of themes such as identity, adaptation and belonging through her vibrant, figurative paintings offers a fresh perspective that resonates with audiences worldwide.
- Featured image: Portrait of Nengi Omuku/Anny Robert/Kasmin
