The grand unveiling of Victor Ehikhamenor: Chronicles of the Enchanted World brought the world of Nigerian art together at the AGIP Hall, MUSON Centre, on Friday evening. Far surpassing a traditional book launch, the event, a high-calibre literary and art gala, celebrated the first comprehensive monograph dedicated to the celebrated multidisciplinary artist.
The hall was packed with collectors, curators and cultural commentators. The evening’s proceedings were marked by a blend of royal gravitas and intellectual vigour, starting with an invocation by His Royal Highness, Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare, the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, setting a ceremonial tone for a book steeped in Edo iconography and heritage.
The focus quickly shifted to the book, described as a “visually striking” exploration of Ehikhamenor’s extensive oeuvre, particularly its engagement with themes of identity, globalisation, migration, cultural heritage, and African postcolonial identities.
The monograph, which traces the artist’s “unorthodox ascent as a global art star,” offers a transcultural analysis of his most recent, acclaimed series, including Daydream Esoterica and Saints and Sanctums. It delves into seven key aspects of his practice; including rosaries, perforations, installations, and paintings to show how he fuses traditional Edo visual language with contemporary abstraction.
The presentation was heavily weighted with critical discourse. Art collector Femi Akinsanya delivered a review, contextualising Ehikhamenor’s contributions. This was followed by a compelling Fireside Chat featuring the artist himself and curator Jumoke Sanwo, offering a rare peek into his creative philosophy. Legal and cultural patron Osagie Imasogie provided a final, insightful annotation on the book’s importance to the global art ecosystem.
A highlight of the evening was the panel conversation, “Living with Enchantment: Reflections on Victor Ehikhamenor’s Works Across Two Decades,” featuring entrepreneur Kola Aina and writer Toni Kan, and expertly moderated by curator Ugoma Ebilah. The discussion underscored the enduring relevance and cultural impact of Ehikhamenor’s works, which have been exhibited worldwide, including at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017.
The ceremonial peak was the unveiling led by legal titan Gbenga Oyebode, officially introducing the monograph to the world. A short video presentation also paid tribute to Ehikhamenor’s role as a Patron through Angels and Muse, the Lagos and Benin City residency he founded to support multidisciplinary creatives.
The vote of thanks by the artist himself transitioned the evening into a celebratory mode, leading to a lengthy book signing session where enthusiasts queued to meet the renowned artist, writer and photographer. As the guests mingled, celebrated Wana Udobang, who masterfully guided the programme as MC, gave an emotive spoken word performance, followed by networking and music by The EKLETOS Band.
Victor Ehikhamenor: Chronicles of the Enchanted World, edited by Sylvester Okwunodu Ogbechie (Professor of History of Art and Architecture at the University of California, Santa Barbara) with contributors, Dan Hicks (Professor of contemporary archaeology at the University of Oxford, curator of archaeology at Pitt Rivers Museum, and a Fellow of St. Cross), Emmanuel Iduma, (Award-winning Writer and Art Critic, and Winner of the Windham-Campbell Prize for Literature, 2022), Anthony (Toni) Kan Onwordi (Writer, Editor, and Public Relations Senior Management Executive), and Prof. Dr. Barbara Plankensteiner (Director of the Museum am Rothenbaum z World Cultures and Arts (MARKK) is poised to become a definitive resource for studying one of Africa’s most vital contemporary voices. The successful Lagos launch solidifies his position as a crucial bridge between African heritage and the global art frontier.
