Lagos pulses with an energy that’s impossible to ignore, and South American painter Mariana Larralde has spent over a decade learning to capture that rhythm on canvas. From May 24 to 31, Omenka Gallery presents “Alegría,” her solo exhibition that offers an intimate glimpse into Nigeria’s bustling metropolis through the eyes of an artist who has truly made it home.
The title says it all—”Alegría” means “joy” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what Larralde finds in the everyday moments of Lagos life. Her paintings don’t just show you scenes; they make you feel the city’s heartbeat. There’s something magical about how she captures children’s laughter echoing off urban walls, weathered fishing boats basking in the blazing sun, and the playful spirit that thrives in Lagos’s most vibrant communities.
“Joy in Lagos isn’t simply an emotion,” Larralde explains. “It’s an act of defiance, a conscious choice to see and celebrate beauty even when circumstances are challenging. Alegría is my tribute to the spirit that sustains us, the resilience that propels us forward.”
What makes Larralde’s work so compelling is her ability to find extraordinary beauty in ordinary moments. Her brushwork captures the saturated hues of a girl’s dress caught in a breeze, the shimmering reflection of water mirroring the sky, and the dynamic movement of intricately patterned fabrics. Each painting radiates an energy that feels almost tangible—you can practically feel the Lagos heat and the indomitable spirit of its people.
Born in Lima, Peru, Larralde brings a unique perspective shaped by her rich cultural heritage—Venezuelan, Basque, Peruvian, and Argentinian roots all weave together in her identity. Her extraordinary journey across seven countries and three continents has given her a deep understanding of movement, cultural fusion, and what it means to belong somewhere. This global perspective, combined with her decades-long love affair with Lagos, creates art that bridges documentary observation with vibrant expression.
Her artistic foundation is solid—she holds a BA in Fine Arts from the Instituto Universitario de Estudios Superiores de Artes Plásticas Armando Reverón in Caracas, and also trained in contemporary dance. This movement background shows in her work’s dynamic energy. She’s been mentored by notable Venezuelan artists like Antonieta Sosa and Luis Lizardo, influences that subtly enhance her expressive style.
Beyond her studio practice, Larralde has shared her passion as an IB Visual Arts teacher in international schools for over 18 years, mentoring young artists and fostering dialogue between personal and global themes. Her commitment to education mirrors her artistic exploration—both rooted in experimentation, intercultural dialogue, and lived experience.
The exhibition is curated by Ayò Akínwándé, a multifaceted artist whose practice spans lens-based media, installations, soundscapes, and performance art. With a background in architecture, Akínwándé critically examines power dynamics and relationships between the powerful and powerless across human experience.
Akínwándé’s intellectual curiosity extends to how information flows in global democratic discourse and reflects existing power structures. His ongoing research project, “Archiving the Future,” collects social media screenshots and ambient sound recordings from Lagos bus stops, offering unfiltered insight into the city’s evolving socio-cultural fabric. His exhibition series “Power Show” uses architectural processes to create visual dialogues on socio-political realities.
A significant figure in Nigerian art, Akínwándé co-curated the inaugural Lagos Biennial in 2017. His work has been showcased globally, from Nigeria to Scotland to the prestigious 13th Bienal De La Habana in Cuba. He participated in the Changjiang International Photography and Video Biennial and the “Chinafrika – Under Construction” exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Leipzig.
His contributions to the arts have earned prestigious recognition, including the 2021 Prince Claus Seed Award, the 2020 Edith-Russ-Haus Media Art Award, and the 2019 Place Publique prize from Montreal’s Fonderie Darling. In 2018, he was a finalist for both the ArtX Prize and ABSA L’Atelier Art Competition. Currently, he maintains a bicultural perspective, living and working between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
According to Omenka Gallery, “Alegría” transcends being merely an exhibition of beautiful paintings—it’s a heartfelt testament to the enduring strength and boundless joy that Lagosians carry amidst the city’s ceaseless energy. Larralde’s portraits aren’t passive observations but active invitations, urging viewers to look closer and discover profound beauty in pure presence, playful gestures, and fleeting moments suspended between light and shadow.
Omenka Gallery has established itself as a leading force in Nigerian and African contemporary art, representing both established and emerging artists working across diverse media. With a focus on ensuring sustainable global presence for Nigerian and African art, the gallery regularly participates in major international events including Art Dubai, The Armory Show in New York, the Joburg and Cape Town Art Fairs, and London’s 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair.
Through “Alegría,” visitors experience Lagos not as outsiders looking in, but through the loving gaze of someone who has embraced the city as home. Larralde’s canvases vibrate with the relentless rhythm, unwavering resilience, and explosion of colours that define this iconic metropolis—reminding us that sometimes the most profound art comes from simply paying attention to the joy that surrounds us.
