TripleA Rouses Lagos with New Show, ‘Ije Enu’

Yinka Olatunbosun

Art connoisseurs are bound to experience what the journey of life (Ije Enu) means to two artists at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos from Saturday May 22 as the leading art agency, TripleA showcases a duo exhibition of paintings.

As two accomplished artists of the Auchi School of Art, Azuka Nnabuogor and Emmanuel Isiuwe have both articulated their ideas and philosophies in a carefully curated body of works that had been described as ‘self-reflective.’

Using oil and acrylic, the artists create a visual account of relatable everyday stories and a shared history. The exhibition’s theme ‘Ije Enu’ echoes the title of the 1960’s song from an iconic highlife singer, Celestine Ukwu. Both artists have an interesting antecedent: they were both born during the war and as a result, they are prone to dishing out existentialist subject matters.

For Nnabuogor, life is a two-sided coin. In his artist statement, he sums up the rationale for showcasing his works.

“Motivation for creating my works of art is hinged on the imperative of documentation. My strong belief is that if there are any lessons to be learnt from everyday stories, then documentation in art form and indeed any form are not luxury but essential,’’ he stated.

Some of his paintings at the show include “Cross Road’’, “Party Animals,’’ “Fond Memories,’’ “Love at First Sight,’’ and “Opinion Leader.’’

In Isiuwe’s works, splurges of early impressionists’ influence are evident in his technique.

“My paintings have benefited from the Alla Prima fashion associated with early impressionists. My style is adapted though: it includes the use of titanium white as focus shimmering, white lights to present a scenic imagery that holds the work together. In ‘Ije Enu,’ I have tried to use the figures to provoke emotive sensation towards the onlooker. In the face of the raging pandemic, the journey of life has undergone mandatory reappraisals: we have become more contemplative as to where we go, what we do or cannot do,’’ he stated.

Isiuwe’s works at the show include “Work Boys,’’ “Blockers,’’ “Agarachas,’’ “Togetherness’’ and “Anwuli (Joy).”