In what culminated in a historic moment in the Nigerian art scene was the homecoming event for the esteemed Ludovic Fadairo, hosted by SOTO Gallery in Lagos.
The renowned Beninese master who is originally from Ife, Osun State in Nigeria, had his first ever solo exhibition in the country, since FESTAC 1977.
Titled What We Don’t See, the exhibition attempts to capture the rich introspective journey of the artist and as a deeply rooted man, the collection invites us along the hazy and murky terrains of the unknown, the mysterious and with each emerging mirage, surrendering to the neverending questions of our existence.
The gallery sparkled with excitement as guests of Soto Gallery sauntered in to pay homage to a legend, admiring and marvelling at the mastery on display.
Among those in attendance were Jess Castelotte and Bruce Onobrakpeya. During the opening remark by Tola Akerele, Director of SOTO Gallery, Prof Bruce took the floor to endorse his friend as an inspiration to artists all over Africa and beyond, saying, “he was able to connect Traditional art with Modern art. In the West, there’s a break between Traditional art and Modern art but in Fadairo’s work, it’s seamless. It’s a seamless transition and that is what he’s gifted to African art.”
A night to remember, the room beamed with such light as the works on the walls held as much presence as the collective thrill of everyone present.
