SOTO Residency Presents Exhibition, Artist Talks in Lagos

Yinka Olatunbosun

SOTO gallery presents a group exhibition titled “Introspection” featuring four artists-in-residence. In May 2023, SOTO Gallery welcomed four artists – Chukwumereogo Okeke, Emmanuel Ifoegbuike, Adaoma Nnabeze, and Simon Iloani, from Eastern Nigeria to Lagos, setting the stage for a deeply immersive art tour that unfolded as a transformative odyssey.

The residency was created as an artist-focused initiative aimed at deepening artistic practice. For this year’s residency program, participants were selected from The University of Nigeria Nsukka’s Visual Arts department and an artist represented by SOTO Gallery. Aimed at teaching fundamental theoretical work with heavy emphasis on academic research and writing, the residency programme is robust, incorporating experiential cultural and ideological exchanges through museum excursions, studio visits, and gallery tours.

Organised by SOTO Gallery, the residency helps to create access to the Lagos Art scene – a living, breathing ecosystem of organisations, galleries, artists, and communities that may otherwise seem impenetrable to newcomers and young artists.

The exhibition opens on Friday December 1 starting with panel discussions with the artists moderated by Tracian Meikle.

In a curatorial statement, the gallery revealed that the show’s title “Introspection’ is a term intricately woven into the fabric of art, which delicately enshrouds the act of delving into one’s inner self, extracting purpose, and comprehending our existence.

“It is the pursuit of self-discovery that forms the nucleus of both art and the human experience, guiding the philosophy behind the inaugural edition of SOTO Gallery’s Residency presentation.”

Rooted in the belief that understanding oneself is foundational to wisdom, the residency provided a unique platform for these emerging talents to engage with the rich artistic landscape of Lagos. This comprised activities including a masterclass by the residency’s academic lead – Tracian Meikle, insights from the prolific artist Anthony Azekwoh, and enriching visits to prominent art institutions such as the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, the Guest Artist Space (GAS) Foundation, and Yaba College of Technology, at the Center for Contemporary Art.

The six month-long residency fostered an environment of constant communication and encouragement, resulting in profound introspection for the participating artists.

Its immersive tours offered not only exposure to diverse artistic practices but also a nurturing space for personal and creative growth. As a testament to SOTO Gallery’s commitment to cultivating artistic initiatives in Nigeria, the residency aimed not just to incubate emerging talents, but also to foster a deeper understanding of self among the artists.