Continuing its tradition of nurturing, supporting and showcasing young African artists, the Rele Arts Foundation recently kicked off its celebration of a decade with the 10th edition of the Young Contemporaries programme. This year, the exhibition showcased the work of six artists who emerged from the foundation’s residency in Ekiti, Nigeria. Inspired by the region’s rich history of resistance, the works presented at the exhibition explored ontological queries of identity, migration and culture preservation.
The talented artists, drawn from Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa, brought art to life with different art forms and expressions. Chinecherem Ifedilichukwu investigates transgenerational cultural transmission through the use of traditional textile techniques. Working with textile, Progress Nyandoro’s works integrate her Shona heritage with influences from Ekiti, creating evocative narratives.
Speaking on her creations, the 26-year-old visual artist from Zimbabwe said this is her first time in Nigeria and she enjoyed the culture and way of life of the Ekiti people so much that it influenced her artwork. “All the works here are from my experience while I was in Ekiti. Together brings to life the Ikogosi water springs in Ekiti, the natural hot and cold water.
It shows two women, one in blue (representing the cold water) and the other is in red (representing the warm water). I was told the two springs represent the two wives of the founder of that area who had very d.