Should I Go, Should I Stay?

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Should I Go, Should I Stay?

Exhibiting Artists: Omoayo Osoba I Victoria Oniosun  I Victoria Ndubuisi   I King Ereso

Date: 07 July – 27 July, 2024

Nomadic Art Gallery, Lagos

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Nomadic Art Gallery proudly presents an immersive exhibition delving into the emotional conflicts surrounding the ‘japa’ phenomenon and the socio-cultural impacts of migration. Featuring exceptional works by Victoria Oniosun, Omoayo Osoba, King Ereso, and Victoria Ndubuisi, this thought-provoking show explores the myriad emotions tied to relocating, resettling, or transmigrating and their profound influence on personal relationships and broader social networks. ‘Japa’ culture refers to the trend of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.

Victoria Oniosun’s pieces, characterized by simplification and abstraction, are deeply influenced by her personal experiences and emotions as a woman. Using the impasto technique, she crafts narratives of sisterly bonds that endure despite the distances created by relocation. Her energetic brushwork and visible strokes convey a sense of movement and spontaneity.

Omoayo Osoba’s Afro-futuristic paintings, rich in bold, vibrant colors, depict dark-skinned figures with expressive features against swirling, patterned backgrounds. His work explores the emotional states of anticipation, guilt, and enduring love that migration entails.

King Ereso’s dynamic Afro-futurist style blends abstract expressionism with Afrocentric iconography. His vibrant compositions, filled with bold brushstrokes and a riot of colors, capture the essence of transformation and the human desire for progress, reflecting the thrill of transition and the quest for change.

Victoria Ndubisi’s distinctive marbling and realism technique highlight the importance of cultural heritage and identity amidst migration. Her works emphasize maintaining connections to cultural roots despite the potential dilution or obscurity caused by generational displacement.

This captivating exhibition invites visitors to embark on a transformative journey, engaging with the multifaceted experiences of migration. It fosters empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of the shared humanity that transcends borders, challenging viewers to consider how we can build more inclusive and compassionate societies.

A colorful mixed-media artwork featuring a predominantly blue face with various abstract elements, including text snippets, patterns, and expressive hand gestures, conveying themes of communication and identity.
A vibrant mixed media artwork featuring a stylized face in blue and orange, surrounded by colorful abstract patterns and comic-style illustrations with speech bubbles.
A vibrant mixed media art piece featuring a stylized face with blue and orange hues, surrounded by colorful abstract patterns and photographic images of urban life, vehicles, and people.
Abstract artwork featuring bold red and blue colors, an eye peeking through a vertical yellow line, and various photos and images integrated into the painting.
An abstract painting depicting three women embracing each other, set against a serene background with a lake and trees, showcasing vibrant colors and textured brushstrokes.
A vibrant painting of two women sitting together, smiling and making peace signs. One is wearing a pink top and shorts, while the other is dressed in a dark top and skirt. The background features a blend of soft blue hues.
A colorful painting depicting two individuals reclining together, dressed in light blue garments, surrounded by abstract shapes and floral details.
An abstract painting featuring two figures seated closely together, with a blend of earthy tones and vibrant colors. The figures are depicted with expressive brushstrokes, conveying a sense of intimacy and connection against a textured green background.
A vibrant painting depicting two stylized figures embracing, with one wearing a colorful floral shirt and the other in a brown shirt. The background is an orange hue with swirling patterns.
A woman sitting by a window, wearing a pink headscarf and a tank top, gazing contemplatively toward the ocean view. The scene shows a beach and waves under a cloudy sky, with a potted plant in the foreground.
A vibrant painting featuring two young women, one in a purple outfit sitting in a vehicle, and another in a red shirt standing outside. Both have colorful bead accessories and striking facial expressions, set against a green background.
An abstract painting featuring a woman with long hair in a dynamic pose and a figure sitting above her, surrounded by swirling brown and blue colors with gold accents.
An abstract artwork featuring dark tones with splashes of gold and brown, exhibiting a textured surface and intricate patterns resembling organic forms.
Abstract artwork featuring swirling patterns and tones of brown, blue, and gold, resembling fluid movement and depth.
An abstract painting featuring a dark, textured background with swirling colors of brown, blue, and gold. Organic shapes and patterns create a visually dynamic composition, evoking depth and intrigue.