The Omenka Gallery of The Ben Enwonwu Foundation (BEF) in conjunction with The New Awakening and Essential Interiors magazines presents a remarkable photographic exhibition titled, Reconstruction in Reverse-Deconstructing the Displaced and Misinterpreted Nigerian Identity. The exhibition will run from November 6 to 12, 2010 and will analyze the role and impact each Nigerian has on our collective identity as a nation and how we define ourselves in an increasingly contemporary world.
Prominent Nigerian photographers featured in the exhibition are Tam Fiofori, Jide Adeniyi-Jones, Mudi Yahaya, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Adolphus Opara, TY Bello, Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko, Uche James-Iroha, Lolade Cameron-Cole, Jide Alakija, Nnamdi Ijiomah, Ebiware Okiy and Isaac Emokpae.
Reconstruction in Reverse or deconstruction brings together portraits of the famous, infamous and non-famous, but just as important! The intimacy of portraiture will enable the audience to gain an increased perspective and understanding of issues relating to self-discovery and awareness. The exhibition employs deconstruction as a strategy of critical analysis and seeks to challenge the displaced and misinterpreted Nigerian identity forced on us by addressing commonly held social stereotypes and assumptions.
In constructing the photographic identities of the subject, many of the portraits on view were taken in various environments and situations, which provide a graphic beauty and simplicity, as well as distinctive narrative content in the theatricality of human action. The analysis projects a narrative of the artists’ personal thoughts and emotions, and ultimately, pieces together a coherent story about the reconstruction process.