A Nigeria-based art community, ‘LightHouse’, has organised an art exhibition in Lagos State. The event, which was held on April 5, 2025, at One Art Gallery, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos State, had more than one hundred people in attendance.
In the opening speech, the co-curator of the exhibition, Frances Akinkuoye, appreciated the people for coming while urging them to maximise the opportunity.
The art exhibition which was themed “We Are Who We Say We Are,” speaks of the importance of one’s historical identity, as it reflects both personal and collective narratives. The seven-syllable sentence speaks to the perfectionism of fully embracing and acknowledging African cultural heritage and mythology, as they are intricately woven into our lives.
The exhibition brings together artists from the southwestern part of Nigeria to tell a fraction of the historical cultures that exist up till now from each of their specific regions. It talks about the existence of these cultural histories, their concepts, meaning, usage and how they affect us.
The exhibition documents history, culture and tradition. It also seeks to inform and reinform the audience of these intricate stories, not just to view the works but to as well relate with them, retain the works in their memories and tell the stories to others.
Some of the exhibiting artists were:
Abu Oluwaseyi, Ademola Ajayi,
Adetula Michael, Akinseye Oluwarotimi, Akinbinu Oluwatoyin, Aladejobi Jeremiah, Chintua Vivian, Deborah Ajilore, Febisola Oladipo, Godwin Rotimi, Obidare Hezekiah, Olatoye David, Oluwafemi Omoboriowo, Oluwapelumi Omisakin,
Oluwatobiloba Fasalejo, Roselyn Ojo, Samson Olatunbosun, Tosin Paul Ajayi, and Victor Ogwamenhlu.
Speaking with newsmen at the end of the exhibition, convener of the exhibition, Godwin Rotimi, said untold stories and histories inspired him to convene the exhibition.
Rotimi said: “The exhibition is inspired by our untold stories and histories, which remain raw and unexplored. These stories shape our identities, instil values, and influence our lives. By showcasing these narratives, we aim to share this knowledge, inform, and educate others about the richness of our heritage.”
On why they chose the theme, he said: “This theme was chosen because it reflects our self-awareness and understanding of our own identities, shaped by our history and heritage. The phrase ‘We Are Who We Say We Are’ asserts our confidence in defining ourselves, without needing an external body to define us. We are not just claiming our identity; we are consciously acknowledging and embracing the narratives that shape us.”
On whether there would be another exhibition like this before the end of the year, the graduate of Fine Arts explained, “With the importance of documenting and sharing our cultural histories and the impact it has on our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, I believe that more exhibitions like this should be expected in the future. The exhibition aims to not only showcase these works of art but also to inform, reinform, and retain them in our memories, making it a valuable duty worth continuing.”
Oluwafemi Omoboriowo, a fast-rising artist also had conversations with journalists, about his two artworks which were titled ‘Angry Nigerians’, and ‘Gaze of Resilience’, which elicited reactions from the attendees, on the inspiration behind the arts, he said, “I was inspired by Nigeria’s social and political unrest—rising insecurity, government failures, and public despair. This fateful day, I was in a discussion with my friends (Nigerians) about our country, and I saw and felt the anger and bitterness in their eyes and voices talking about the hardships in the country; this was the main source of inspiration for the work, ‘Angry Nigerians’. Through intense expressions and newspaper headlines, Angry Nigerians capture collective frustration, giving voice to citizens’ anger, grief, and demand for justice in a system that often silences or ignores their suffering.
Oluwafemi Omoboriowo whose artworks have previously graced Stockton-On-Tees Big Art Festival Exhibition (2024), Boomer Gallery’s The New Artist (Seventh Edition) London, Boomer Gallery’s Transcendence (First Edition) London, and most recently, Carre Gallery Sleaford’s Root and Route group exhibition, said that he plans to establish a studio that will serve as a platform for mentorship and a creative hub for up-and-coming artists, providing them with the tools and support they require to progress their careers.
