From October 29 to November 2, 2009, The Ben Enwonwu Foundation will present Musing, an exhibition of recent paintings by one of Nigeria’s most recognizable contemporary artists, Alex Nwokolo. Chief Arthur Mbanefo CON, MFR, the Odu of Onitsha and Nigeria’s former permanent representative to the United Nations will open the exhibition at the Omenka Gallery.
Musing features a collection of recent paintings in which Nwokolo tasks his restless spirit by incorporating newspaper cuttings and shirts to transform even the most mundane themes into the most arresting, yet subtle imagery. Works on display include; Herd and Twilight, Red Light Razor, Elemental, Tropicano, Classified, Power of a Woman and Forgive our Trespasses. In some of the works, however, shoals of silhouetted figures are strewn all over the canvases. In some cases, the figures seem vulnerable and alienated from one another, desperately hungry for solidarity. In other circumstances, they seem to find solace in a collective of optimism and warmth.
The Ben Enwonwu Foundation is proud to support this show and through exhibitions, education and debate continues to encourage the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of modern and contemporary African art.