An All-female Exhibition Set to Rock Yemisi Shyllon Museum

Yinka Olatunbosun

With the theme, ‘The Invincible Hands; An exhibition of Art by Nigerian Women,’ an all-female exhibition is set to ignite the prestigious Yemisi Shyllow Museum, Pan Atlantic University, Lekki-Epe Expressway on Saturday August 28.

With the objective of addressing the disproportional representation of male to female established artists in Nigeria and create awareness of this disparity, the show will celebrate the artistic contribution of female Nigerian artists toward the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative culture.

In presenting these works to a wide audience, the exhibition highlights artistry that transcend stereotypes. A first of its kind at the Museum, the designer-cum-curator, Olufisayo Bakare, is tackling the issue of underrepresentation of female artists, giving credence to their individuality, voices and creativity.

The exhibition aims at being an active agent in giving these artists higher visibility. The goal of ‘Invincible hands’ is to celebrate the contribution of underrepresented Nigerian women artists in post-colonial and contemporary eras, to amplify their work and bridge inequality gaps in the art sector and to place The Invincible Hands of women artists back into our art education and art history. The exhibition is on view at the museum from August 28, 2021 through January 25, 2022.

Although art tends to be elitist, the exhibition takes a historic gaze at the past, paying homage to the founding mothers of Art in Nigeria, while drawing inferences in the contemporary art space, and solidifying a foundation for the future.

The designer-cum-curator Bakare pays close attention to the works of indigenous and Pan-African artists and maker-communities by establishing unique platforms for accessibility. Positioned as a cultural gatekeeper of Black histories, she recognizes that educating the masses through artistic and cultural ecosystems is at the bedrock of society. By connecting varied dialogues through an exchange of ideas, Bakare celebrates historical signposts. With over a decade dedicated to supporting the arts, Bakare has stepped into the limelight by partnering with Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art to educate through the arts.

Bakare is an integral part of the ‘Precolonial Societies of Nigeria’ program, formulating the teaching manual for the Ile-Ife pre-colonial society. Buttressing this, Bakare is an active member of the ongoing ‘Museums of the Future’ program facilitated by Goethe Institut.

Bakare’s passion for travel, anthropology, and culture has aided several platforms of creative expression with businesses such as Interior Living, and The Yellow of Lagos. She is joining forces with institutions like YSMA to curate exhibitions and constructs site-specific installations within the creative sector and art world.