Sample Chief’s debut art exhibition, “As Loud As Freedom,” opened to a packed house on September 17 at Toronto’s 918 Bathurst Centre, tracing Fela Kuti’s visual resistance across generations.
Curated by TD Curatorial Fellow Abisola Oni, the multigenerational exhibition features works by Lemi Ghariokwu, Jibola Fagbamiye, Ehiko Odeh, Soji “Shakes” Oyinsan and Chukwudubem Ukaigwe.
Ghariokwu’s iconic original album covers for Zombie and Beasts of No Nation, housed in MoMA’s permanent collection, anchor the display alongside pieces from Odeh, whose Sacred Nourishment and Lightbeaming enter the Government of Ontario’s Art Collection.
Oyinsan presents Yoruba twin-culture research pieces including Kehinde L’o gba Taiwo (Lijadu), Old Soldier and Old Teacher. Eisner-nominated illustrator Fagbamiye showcases The Leap and The Kiss, complemented by Ukaigwe’s We’ll See.
Sample Chief founder Ore Sami said the showcase bridges diasporic and home-grown artistic dialogue.
Running through October 4 with daily hours from 12pm to 5pm, the free exhibition features public programming including an October 1 Independence Day Bash with Local Global, Deelo and Ṣewà.