Monday, 3 June 2013

AKARAKA

AkARAKA: June 1-August 15, 2013


I was very pleased to meet so many friends and guests at the opening of AKARAKA last Saturday. The pieces certainly came to life in your presence. Many thanks to all who made it or have yet to come.


Works from the exhibition

Uncontrollable Force

Akaraka

Onwa n'etilu ora

Transitions

The Obstacle

What will Be will Be

Impetus

Resonance

Enigma II

Providence I and II

 
Mutant and Twist


 
Enigma I and Never Hurry the Sunrise




I look forward to hearing more about your experience with the works.





Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Akaraka: Coming soon!

UPCOMING SHOW
AKARAKA: What Will Be



I am thrilled to announce my upcoming show: AKARAKA: What Will Be, which will open at Art Twenty One, a brand new art space at Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, June 1, 2013 and remain on display for eight weeks.

The exhibition that will feature 15-20 new sculptural forms that explore the concept and meaning of destiny. Unlike my older works, these pieces capture different stylistic approaches and use of materials and colors. I am equally excited about the enormous space Art 21 will avail me, and I look forward to transforming it into an amazing spectacle.

Don't miss it! It will be open to all on June 1.

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Press Reviews

Here are some reviews of the exhibition:

This Day review

Compass Newspaper

The Punch

The Guardian


NAN-H-17
Arts
Lagos, Feb. 17, 2013 (NAN) Prof. Nnenna Okore of Arts Department, North Park University, Chicago, USA, said on Sunday that the mindset of Nigerian youths could be changed for the better through creative arts.
Okore, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said that changing the mindset of youths through arts was very vital for the country’s development.
The Professor said that engaging youths to develop their skills through the arts would also promote a better awareness of Nigerian arts internationally.
``It will also improve the level of intellectual pursuit in the visual arts sector.
``It will make them believe in themselves, and it is important to encourage them and boost their ego.
``It is important for the youths also to see things around them and use their creative minds to turn them around for better things,'' Okore said.
NAN reports that the Arts professor plans to organise an exhibition entitled ``Flow`` at Wheatbaker Hotels, Ikoyi, Lagos beginning from Feb. 18 to April 15.
She said uses bodily or plantlike forms, and significance of fabric in our cultural and natural world.
``It is to evoke some reflection about how we can better, preserve and care for our earthbound surroundings,” she said.
She explained that, ``I am drawn to uniquely tactile characteristics of the collective physical world.
``I am astounded by natural phenomena that caused things to become weathered, dilapidated and lifeless,” she added.
She further said that those events that slowly triggered by aging, death and decay-subtly captured in the fluid and delicate nature of life makes her create several sculptural forms with them.
Okore’s inspiration is drawn from finding reusable flotsam and discarded materials which she transforms into intricate sculpture and installations.
Some of her processes include dyeing, weaving, sewing, rolling and twisting which she said she learned by watching local Nigerians perform their daily tasks.
She uses clay, resin and acrylic, and burlap to do her craft of sculpture.
NAN reports that 30 of her works would be on display from Feb 18 to April 15, at the Wheatbaker Hotels Ikoyi, Lagos.
Some of her works are ``Nwaada” meaning Maiden, ``Predicament”, ``Consciousness, ``Pride”, ``Aghogho” (young maiden), Igba Nkwu” (wine carrying-traditional Marriage). (NAN)
NCI/FF
======
 By Nkiru Fulani
NAN

The Exhibition Opening

This is to say a very special thank you to my sponsors, Sterling Bank and the Wheatbaker Hotel, and all who attended the opening of 'Flow'. I was elated and honoured by your support and enthusiasm. Thank you!

Though a little belated, here are some images for your enjoyment!

Kids appreciating the works

Kids enjoying the piece

Sandra Obiago, Robert Mbonu and Yvonne Ike

Okey Okore and friends with artist

Sandra and Jeffrey Hawkins 

Azu Nwagbogu, Caline Chagoury in the middle

Caline and Sandra in the middle

Bisi Silva and Onyema Offoedu-Okeke

During the opening remarks

Opening remarks by Jeff Hawkins

Muson Ogunbanjo, Chidinma Ohajunwa and Okwy Okeke

Tayo Ogunbiyi (right) and a guest

Onyema, Bisi, Victoria and others

Chief Frank Okonta (left), Sandra and guest

Bisi and Sunday Uwengi

Mosun and the Godwins

Signing an autograph for Busayo Lawal

Artist with guests

Okey, Nnenna and Kalu Okore 

Obiora, Okwy, Ugo, Chuka and Onyema with the artist

Chizoba and Obiora Unigwe with the artist

Ada and Babs Williams with Okwy and the artist

Great Ogboru, Tony Nyiam and others

Guests viewing the works

Young guests interacting with Sandra

Mrs Winnie Okeke with the artist

Okwara Okore and artist

Okwy and Chuma Maduekwe

Temi and Connor

Mrs Maduekwe

Femi Akinsanya and artist

Ego and Mofe  Boyo with the artist













Friday, 1 February 2013

Flow: A Universal Language

You are invited to 'Flow', an exhibition of recent works by Nnenna Okore

Predicament

At the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi
4 Onitolo Road (Old Lawrence Road)
Opening: Saturday, February 16, 2013 
 4-7pm
Runs through April 15, 2013
Sponsored by The Wheatbaker Hotel and Sterling Bank

Nwaada
Igba Nkwu
Agbogho
Consciousness



I have been working on and experimenting with new ideas, materials and inspirations within my surroundings in the last six months. Flow is my first exhibition in Nigeria since my arrival as a Fulbright scholar. It showcases dynamic wall sculptures that have been interpreted through different media, including, cloth, clay and burlap. I hope that the viewers enjoy the vibrancy and textures of the pieces on display. I look forward to seeing you at the opening and hearing from you!