In Wuse, Abuja, a selection of the art community in the Federal Capital Territory converged for an intimate soirée to experience the opening of Survive and Thrive, a group exhibition by artists based in the city.
For its opening reception over the weekend, the two-part exhibition curated by Theo Allansor featured the works of 10 artists—for Part One of the show running for two weeks. Each piece embodies “the spirit of resilience and success that defines the local artistic community.”
The show’s title, according to the exhibition note, “reflects the challenges and triumphs faced by both aspiring and established figures in art. The Nigerian art scene thrives despite facing its own set of hurdles. Survive and Thrive highlights the ingenuity and perseverance of Abuja’s artists, showcasing their diverse practices that continue to evolve and flourish.”
On display were vibrant pieces by artists Kelechi Orode, Gloria Mmaduako, Etubi Onucheyo, Ndubuzo Moses, Tammy Sinclair, Paschal Ugwu, Chidinma Yemisi Mordi, Isaac Oluwatope, Idara Tom, and Imal Silva exploring a range of media and expressions for their exhibition.
Survive and Thrive serves not only as a celebration of artistic
Windsor Gallery
achievements but also as a call to action. It encourages viewers to
contemplate the challenges and triumphs inherent in pursuing creative
pursuits. We hope this exhibition inspires and empowers both artists
and viewers alike.
About The Artists
Kelechi Orode Chukwueke
Kelechi Orode Chukwueke is a contemporary visual artist based in Abuja, Nigeria. From a young age, she showed a flair for art and could often be found drawing at home and in school. As such, she was encouraged by her parents to explore her interests and passions.
In 2016, she acquired her BSc. in Interiors with a Minor in Art History from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. Kelechi is a professional interior architect and designer and infuses her
love for creating spaces in her work, often reflecting on how her pieces interact with space.
Kelechi made her artistic debut in May of 2023 at Yenwa Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Inner Space. There she showed visually striking portraits of young women in quiet moments of reflection with an atmosphere that drew viewers into the scene.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
30 x 42 inches
Her artistic signature lies in her use of colour, patterns, textures, and
immersive space creation. Her characters, painted with indigo skin,
transcend individual identity, engaging viewers to connect with
universal emotions.
Storytelling is at the core of Kelechi’s art. Each painting weaves a
narrative representation of quiet moments with subtle hints of the drama
and tension that lay beneath the surface, drawing from personal and
shared experiences.
Kelechi’s art brings a fresh and playful perspective to the Nigerian art
landscape, exploring the universality of joy, love, loss, and pain
through tranquil yet emotionally charged scenes. Her first solo
exhibition, Dear Dandelion, calls the audience to immerse themselves
in stories, both familiar and unfamiliar, finding connection in the shared
tapestry of emotions.
Gloria Mmaduako
Gloria Eberechukwu Mmaduako, born in October 1994, is a dedicated full-time studio artist based in Abuja, Nigeria. Specializing in oil, acrylic, and charcoal, Gloria began her artistic journey with a National Diploma in general arts from the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu (IMT) in 2015, followed by a first-class B.A. in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in 2019.
Throughout her career, Gloria has actively participated in numerous art group exhibitions and professional artist conferences, solidifying her presence in the art community. Her talent has been recognized with accolades, including first place in the visual art category at the 5th Biennial National Conference of Music and Performing Arts in 2019.
2023
Mixed Media
30 x 40 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
The symbolism of leaves in my paintings is deeply rooted in nature’s
ability to shed the old and embrace the new. Much like how leaves
provide shade and birth new ones, life offers us opportunities for
transformation and renewal. Leaves symbolize life, fertility, optimism,
and boundless growth.
Furthermore, my works serve as a canvas for the rich cultural heritage
of Africa, with a commitment to preserving these invaluable traditions
for future generations. Through intricate design elements, thematic
exploration, and innovative techniques, I aim to celebrate and
safeguard Africa’s cultural legacy within my art.
Each brushstroke becomes a thread connecting past, present, and
future, weaving a tapestry that echoes the diverse stories and traditions
of Africa. My artistic process becomes a celebration of diversity, a
visual symphony that resonates with the rhythm of cultural richness.
Etubi Onucheyo
Etubi Onucheyo is a Nigerian visual artist who has carved a niche for himself in the art world
over the past decade. A product of the Nsukka Art School, Onucheyo’s artistic journey has seen him masterfully blend digital and traditional mediums, primarily acrylic on canvas. His diverse portfolio caters to both the art world and the entertainment industry, showcasing his unique blend of surrealism and figurative art.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
55.43 x 23.62 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
My art is a surrealist exploration of human emotions, drawing on rich
African imagery and symbolism. A recurring theme is the search for light
in darkness, which I portray through the use of masks and masquerades
placed in unexpected situations, always illuminated by a celestial body
like the sun or moon.
While my work may appear sombre at first glance, there’s always a
beacon of hope present. Feelings are the central mystery I aim to
capture in my paintings.
The concept of escapism is a constant fascination, and I visually depict
it by using figures to represent abstract concepts like “looming pressure”
or “smashing stagnation,” even touching on mental health themes.
Ndubuzo Moses
Ndubuo Moses (born 1996, in Jos Plateau State) is a Nigerian artist who captivates audiences with his unique figurative paintings. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2019, Moses dedicated himself to his craft as a full-time studio artist based in Abuja.
Moses’ artistic journey has been marked by participation in several notable exhibitions. These include the Modhafest Virtual Exhibition (2022), Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) at the International Conference Centre, IMT Enugu, Nigeria (2021), the “In Times like This” group exhibition at Orange Gallery, Calabar, Nigeria (2020), the Modhafest Virtual Exhibition (2020), the “Sheroes” National Art Competition at UNESCO Abuja (2020), Life in My City Art Festival
(LIMCAF) at Alliance Française, Enugu, Nigeria (2019), and Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) at the International Conference Centre, IMT Enugu, Nigeria (2018).
202
Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 25 inches
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
As an artist, I am dedicated to creating stylized figurative paintings that
capture the essence of everyday life experiences, drawing inspiration
from my personal background, family history and the world around me.
My paintings are unique in their use of a textured canvas and a vibrant
colour palette, with emphasis on the face, which is painted in patches
of colours, and the body which is painted in a bold orange hue.
Applying the illusion of a weaving technique, I create stylized figurative
paintings which are inspired by my life experiences. Basketry is a
common trend in my community, and I am fascinated by its intricacies,
which resonate with how we as humans try to weave ourselves
together every day. My aim is to show the need for unity, togetherness,
self-love/belief, and resilience, and to express the perception of the
common man.
Tammy Sinclair
Tammy Sinclair’s unique artistic style and perspective are the result of a deep passion for both sculpting and drawing. By incorporating string art into his creative process, Tammy has been able to merge these two art forms into a cohesive vision.
His love for experimenting with different mediums began at an early age when he explored themes of identity and racism. The central focus of his work is on Black identity and the importance of unity. Tammy believes that “the fragility of a single thread points at our
weakness when we choose to stand alone.” His art serves as a powerful tool to rewrite Black history and highlight the significance of working together.
Tammy’s guiding principle is the African proverb that states, “The strength of the broom lies not in the power of a single frond but in the resilience of its united fronds.”
2021
Acrylic, Velvet, Metal wire, nails and thread on wood
43.30 x 35.43 inches
FULL ECLIPSE
He is fire, she is ice.
He is the sun, constant, sure, hardly changing, rigid, and
dependable.
She is the moon. Beautiful and fluid, ever-changing, controlling the
tides and seasons.
HE is power, SHE is influence, together they bring balance to the
circle of life.
Ying and yang.
Light and dark.
Me and her.
Isaac Oluwatope
Isaac Oluwatope is an Abuja-based visual Artist in Nigeria. Born in 1998 in Ondo state, Nigeria. Isaac is an artist whose paintings major on the duality of everything and how we respond to the raw reality of this truth.
He explores the blend of realism and abstraction through the famous Araism style movement. Through his masterful expressions, he invites viewers to mindfully meditate through his wall of colours and lines, maybe they will find something they don’t know they are looking for.
2024
Acrylic on Canvas
40 x 42 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
Exploring the beauty and mystery of the world we live in, where
everything is contrasted and nothing in itself is definite is a surreal
experience. The concept of being bad gives extreme value to good
and without darkness, the value of light cannot be fully realized. To live
is to suffer they say and evidently, life is all about how much one can
suffer to truly live. Apparently, life is an irony. My works are my story
and of the people around me. When am down, I want to tell it, when
I feel very good and high up on the mountain; I want to paint it as well.
My essence I believe is to document my experience for people to
connect and not feel alone in their pursuit.
My paintings are a celebration of colour, form and texture. A meditation
on the relationship between light and shade, realism and abstraction,
simplicity and complexity. The elements employed together in my
works are very intentional to give a therapeutic feeling to the audience.
Chidinma Yemisi Mordi
Chidinma Yemisi Mordi, born in Kaduna, Nigeria, to Igbo and Yoruba parents, draws inspiration from the diverse cultures that surround her. Her journey as an artist began in childhood when she often drew on the walls of her home.
Now residing in Abuja, she works as a full-time artist, creating vibrant and evocative works that celebrate the essence of Nigerian culture. She is influenced by everyday interactions in
markets, public transport systems, and weddings.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
19.69 x 23.62 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
In my artistic practice, inspired by the rich Nigerian culture and human
interactions around me, I capture the essence of Nigerian life and
celebrate its beauty. Rooted in my Igbo and Yoruba heritage, my
paintings explore the cultural landscape of Nigeria, drawing
inspiration from bustling markets and vibrant weddings. I aim to evoke
the resilience, joy, and dreams of my people, offering a glimpse into
Nigeria’s heart and soul.
With a background in Architecture, I bring a multidisciplinary
approach, using acrylic, ink, and mixed media to reflect Nigerian
culture’s emotional depth and storytelling. My art preserves and
celebrates Nigerian culture, challenging stereotypes and fostering
cross-cultural dialogue.ARTIST STATEMENT
In my artistic practice, inspired by the rich Nigerian culture and human
interactions around me, I capture the essence of Nigerian life and
celebrate its beauty. Rooted in my Igbo and Yoruba heritage, my
paintings explore the cultural landscape of Nigeria, drawing
inspiration from bustling markets and vibrant weddings. I aim to evoke
the resilience, joy, and dreams of my people, offering a glimpse into
Nigeria’s heart and soul.
With a background in Architecture, I bring a multidisciplinary
approach, using acrylic, ink, and mixed media to reflect Nigerian
culture’s emotional depth and storytelling. My art preserves and
celebrates Nigerian culture, challenging stereotypes and fostering
cross-cultural dialogue.
Paschal Ugwu
Paschal Ugwu, born in 1996 in Nsukka, Nigeria, and now based in Abuja, holds
a Fine Arts degree from the University of Nigeria. Specialising in contemporary
figurative expressionism, he employs mediums like charcoal, pastel, oil, and
acrylic on paper and canvas. His distinctive style combines intentional and
spontaneous techniques, resulting in emotionally charged figures with exaggerated eyes. Ugwu’s artwork delves into personal experiences, human emotions, societal issues, and
introspection on the Nigerian human condition.
He has participated in an artist residency organised by Rele Gallery. Featured in exhibitions like “The Last Act” and “Run Through Walls,” his powerful commentary on life has been recognised in Shoutout Miami and Voyage Houston Magazine.
2024
Acrylic on Canvas
36 x 36 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
I find joy in expressing emotions through my art, capturing the familiar
within the unknown. My artwork tells contemporary life stories, delving
into the way people experience and interact amidst social, political,
and economic issues in today’s society, especially as a Nigerian.
I paint unconventional figures, highlighting emotions through their
exaggerated eyes. My creative practice encompasses both Drawing
and Painting, and my artistic process involves pastel or charcoal
scratches, paint drips, palette knife marks, and brush strokes, shaping
a contemporary figurative expressionist style.
Imal Silva
Imal Silva (born 16th January 1971) is a multidisciplinary artist, creative entrepreneur, adjunct lecturer and creative policy expert. Imal is an alumnus of the Royal College of Art, United
Kingdom. Born in Sri Lanka, and living most of his teenage and adult life in Nigeria, the multicultural background in his life has had a significant influence on his artistic thought, visual language, and work.
2024
Acrylic, Pastels, Charcoal sealed with Acrylic Gel
36 x 36 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
I took a journey back to the simplicity and purity of my childhood while
painting this work —a time when striving and thriving with my little friends
were harmonious pursuits, untainted by competition or societal pressures.
Letting my mind wonder, I found it interesting to relive our childhood
conversations.
This piece, rendered in a naïve style, reflects our innocent chatter like flying
to outer space in a rocket, operating tall cranes among skyscrapers, running
the fastest time around the school block, climbing mountains and other
dreams we had.
But then, responsibility came calling and we had to grow up. And growing
up, we were told that we had to do better than others, even our friends.
Gradually, we began to lose our innocence in relating to each other and
we joined a rat race even as we strived to thrive. Competition that we
thought was harmless began to grow in its appetite.
Did the self-centeredness we permitted blind us from the truth?
Through this piece, I invite the viewers to make certain considerations.
Would I be right to say that the real race in life is not against one another,
but against time? And my responsibility in life is to grow up to be the best
version of myself rather than strive to be better than my neighbour?
Would I be correct to say that thriving in life is progress by creating value
for others rather than by depriving others?
Finally, can I say thriving as a people is leaving a better world than the one
we found ourselves in?
Idara Tom
Idara Tom (B.1998) is a Nigerian-based visual artist from Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Having
graduated with a B. A from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, she explores the relationship
between humans and nature.
Tom’s creative process is a blend of observation, imagination, and improvisation. She draws inspiration from nature, cultural roots, personal experiences, and everyday life. The result is a
a unique and expressive style that connects with viewers on many levels.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
36.22 x 48.43 inches
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is driven by a deep sense of curiosity and emotional
connection to the world around me. With Acrylic as my medium of
expression, I aim to capture the substance of life through bold and
expressive brushstrokes and vibrant chunks of colours from my palette
knife. Each stroke is an invitation for the viewer to immerse themselves
in the emotional and intellectual depth of my pieces.
It is veritably safe to say that each piece I create is simultaneously an
extension of the past: where I come from, my experiences, and what I
have learned through the course of my journey, as well as a preview
of my expectations for the future where I’m headed.
My artistic practice is an exploration of the joys, struggles, and
complexities that define our existence. I strive to recreate these on
canvas through the use of color, texture, and composition; to evoke a
visual conversation that speaks into the soul of the viewer.
Survive and Thrive runs till September 14.
Watch highlights of the opening reception here.
