Dudu Emmanuel, the renowned Nigerian multi-media artist, is set to captivate art enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with his solo exhibition, titled “Enlightened,” opening at the Nomadic Art Gallery on September 30th. Emmanuel’s eclectic and thought-provoking collection promises to stir deep emotions with its diverse and multi-faceted approach.
Under the overarching theme of “Enlightened,” Dudu Emmanuel’s body of work is a testament to his artistic journey and personal growth spanning over a decade. This exceptional exhibition showcases a plethora of creations, both pre- and post-Covid, skillfully narrating the multifaceted experience of “Enlightened.”
Emmanuel’s works range from capturing the inexplicable clarity found in the touch of an innocent child to shedding light on events that dramatically expose inequities and injustices. They also delve into the wisdom accumulated by an old sage, offering a vast, often philosophical interpretation of the concept of being “Enlightened.”
Visitors to the gallery will encounter playful yet thought-provoking pieces that frequently depict human traits or contemporary events. Some of these artworks have already found a place in private collections worldwide, including that of the King of Morocco in Rabat.Dudu Emmanuel shared his perspective on this significant collection, stating, “This body of work is very important to me. It represents how I feel at this point in my life. “Enlightened” is the perfect term for it, encompassing my identity as an artist, a Nigerian, and a global citizen. As a contemporary artist, I believe firmly in my obligation to articulate, convey, and evoke sentiments related to environmental, political, social, or cultural issues that resonate with my audiences. I hope that this solo exhibition accomplishes exactly that.”
Among the showcased pieces, some are vibrant paintings on canvas, while others have undergone a creative process referred to by Dudu Emmanuel as “transmutation.” This process involves using recycled wastepaper and cartons integrated into mixed-media compositions, often incorporating pre-printed branded designs, prints, or pigments. The results are art pieces with environmental undertones that compellingly emphasize the urgency of addressing consumption and waste while introducing innovative uses for packaging materials.
Dudu Emmanuel, born in 1974 in Benin City, Edo State, holds a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University of Lagos. With over 30 exhibitions to his name, this exhibition at Nomadic Art Gallery marks his first post-Covid solo showcase.
Nomadic Art Gallery, a trailblazing institution since 2016, has been on a mission to amplify the voices and visibility of African art and artists, both on the continent and in the diaspora. They describe themselves as the “Afrobeat of Contemporary Art.”
The Dudu Emmanuel “Enlightenment” exhibition will run from September 30th to October 21st, 2023, Monday through Saturday, at the Nomadic Art Gallery, located at 22 Adetokunbo Ademola Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
For more information about the exhibition and Nomadic Art Gallery, visit their website at www.nomadic-art.com.
