The 7th Element puts urban arts in the spotlight

Urban arts, to which graffiti belongs, may not be at the top of artistic trends in Nigeria, but the depth of creativity that goes into it cannot be discounted.

This was underscored last weekend at the first exhibition of The 7th Element by A2 Creative and Osa Okunkpolor, a Visual Communications graduate, storyteller and an urban graffiti artist.

“The 7th Element is a platform to showcase graffiti and non-traditional artists across Nigeria,” said Adaora Mbelu, Head of Innovation at A2Creative. “This exhibition was the first of a multi-series that we are working on. We have introduced Nigeria to Art as a lifestyle, and will be launching some exciting products this year.”

She explained that 7th Element represents an undiluted form of art.

To Osa Okunkpolor, graffiti does more than offering platform for artistic expression, it allows to comment on what goes on in the society as well.

“I like the fluidity…there are no rules. It allows you to communicate serious topics one minute and light-hearted subjects the next,” he said.

“In one artwork, I’m talking about police brutality, and in the next, I’ve got a drawing of Kanye West with his shades on. There are no limitations really’.

The exhibition held at the KIA Showroom featured graffiti on walls, canvases, a skateboard, newspapers, and a KIA vehicle. The second part of the exhibition featured a live graffiti art performance by Osa.