On Sunday, September 15, the Orisun Art Gallery in Abuja transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and conversation as Yiaga Africa hosted the #Art4Democracy exhibition. This event brought together civil society leaders, activists, young creatives, and art enthusiasts to celebrate Democracy Day and reflect on the state of Nigeria’s governance through the eyes of emerging talents.
The exhibition featured the compelling work of 15 young artists from various disciplines in the visual and performing arts. Their pieces served as powerful reflections of Nigeria’s democratic landscape and projecting the ideals of a brighter future. It was also the culmination of our monthslong work with the young creatives which began with an inception workshop where the creatives held brainstorming sessions on their perspectives of democracy in Nigeria, and a painting party where they presented their draft works to a select panel of experts for their feedback.
The exhibition, which was organized in partnership with the Open Society Foundation and held on the day set aside to mark the International Day of Democracy, encouraged attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue about the importance of democracy and the role of citizens in shaping their government.
“Artists have the ability to create and redefine what we see as broken in our society,” stated Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, in his opening remarks. “These young talents are not just reinforcing our values but are also proving that democracy can work for us if we choose to participate actively in the process.”
Emphasizing the unique position of artists to not only influence public opinion but also drive civic engagement, Itodo noted that the exhibition aimed to unite the voices of youth and creatives as a formidable force for change.
“With the combination of their artistic voices and sheer numbers, the potential for impact is immense,” he remarked.
A panel session on “Reigniting Hope in Nigeria’s Democracy”, provided a platform for young creatives to dissect the complexities of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Panelists reflected on the struggles and triumphs of democracy, drawing inspiration from the works of iconic artists like Fela Anikulapo Kuti and contemporary figures like Burna Boy.
“What if every artist used their platform to demand credible governance? The possibilities are endless,” queried panelist and spoken word artist Emmanuel ‘2Ply’ Zakari, highlighting the transformative power of art in civic discourse.
Hope resonated throughout the discussions, with participants expressing a shared belief that increased civic engagement could lead to tangible benefits for citizens. As the panel concluded, attendees were reminded of their responsibilities within the democratic process.
With a total of 18 visual artworks and three performance pieces on display, the exhibition showcased a rich tapestry of ideas centered on good governance. Each piece was carefully curated to convey messages that transcended the canvas, coaxing a deep reflection on attendees’ level of engagement in governance and how best to improve it.”
You can view the pieces from the exhibition in the catalogue here.
The pieces are available for sale by the artists. If interested in purchasing any, please contact us to facilitate the purchase. You can send an email to aadi@yiaga.org or call +2347069027404
