Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
At Abu Dhabi Art 2025, which is running from November 19 to 23 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Nigerian contemporary art arrives with a vision to reflect the present, honour the past and engage with the world.
Through the “Nigeria Everywhere” initiative and with leading galleries such as SOTO Gallery and kó in Lagos, the exhibition amplifies emerging voices and living traditions, adding new narratives to the global art conversation.
It also marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s expanding cultural reach.
Joanna MacGregor, Strategy & Projects Manager at SOTO Gallery, described Nigerian contemporary art as “a powerful mirror reflecting today’s realities by blending social, political, cultural and personal narratives into a cohesive visual language.”
She added that the artists “combine traditional Nigerian heritage with global influences, creating works that resonate with both local and international audiences.”
Using discarded materials, fabrics, iconography and conventional painting mediums, the artists explore critical issues such as migration, urbanisation and the reinterpretation of mythology and oral history to bring awareness to the challenges and triumphs of modern life in Nigeria.”
MacGregor explained that traditional practices remain central to the country’s art scene.
“They are not a fixed idea, but an evolving vocabulary reimagined for today,” she said.
“Artists are actively reinterpreting these concepts to address modern realities, positioning Nigerian art as a space where tradition fuels innovation and global dialogue.”
She cited the work of artist Gbolahan Ayoola, who draws on Yoruba cosmology and mythology to transform spiritual narratives into a vibrant visual language.
Isaac Emokpae explores the African philosophy of duality through abstraction to reveal the unseen forces shaping human experience.
Galleries play a key role in nurturing this ecosystem, said MacGregor.
“Nigerian galleries are vital in supporting emerging talent by providing platforms for visibility, mentorship and market access,” she said.
“Through exhibitions, residencies, art fairs and collaborations, they create pathways for young artists to develop their careers. Initiatives like Nigeria Everywhere further amplify this reach, positioning Nigerian art as a global force ensuring our voices are presented at major art fairs, biennales, and cultural events worldwide.”
She added that Abu Dhabi Art offers “a vital chapter in this journey by positioning Nigerian voices within one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cultural platforms. It offers our artists and galleries the opportunity to engage new audiences, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and build networks that extend beyond the African continent.”
For Kavita Chellaram, founder of kó, Nigerian artists are “deeply engaged in the social, political and cultural realities of our time.
She said: “Their work addresses themes such as urbanisation, migration, spirituality and identity, while also responding to issues of inequality, climate change and globalisation.
“By drawing on lived experiences and local histories, contemporary Nigerian art provides a mirror of today’s world that is both rooted in place and globally resonant.”
Chellaram noted that Nigerian artists are “expanding the global art dialogue with narratives that foreground African histories, philosophies and aesthetics. They challenge dominant Western frameworks by offering perspectives shaped by Yoruba cosmologies, Igbo Uli traditions, oral storytelling, and contemporary lived realities.”
She said that galleries like kó act as cultural bridges.
“Galleries in Nigeria provide crucial infrastructure for artists, offering mentorship, exposure and access to both local and international audiences. Initiatives like Nigeria Everywhere amplify this by ensuring that Nigerian voices are present across major global platforms. Together, they strengthen the visibility of Nigerian art, creating sustainable pathways for artists to thrive beyond national borders.”
She said Abu Dhabi Art provides an important space for dialogue between Africa, the Middle East, and the wider world.
“This is our fourth year participating, and we have been able to situate Nigerian artists within an international arena of collectors, curators and institutions. It is an opportunity to showcase the dynamism of our art scene and build new networks of collaboration.”
