Nanna Prip’s ‘Hybrid Heart’ Exhibition: A Celebration of Cultural Diversity and Self-Discovery

 
 
Mary Nnah
 
 
From October 15th to 23rd, 2024, the Odama Contemporary Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos, will transform into a vibrant tapestry of cultural fusion and self-expression as Danish-Guinean artist and musician Nanna Prip presents her solo exhibition, “Hybrid Heart.”
Presented by Bilarteral, a dynamic platform promoting African art and its diaspora, and supported by LVG, this highly anticipated event promises to captivate audiences with its profound exploration of identity, heritage, and belonging. Odama Contemporary Art Gallery By LVG will provide the exhibition space, while The Muse By LVG will offer accommodation, underscoring LVG’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent.
 
Prip’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her experiences growing up between two cultures. Her mixed heritage compelled her to reflect deeply on her place in the world.
“Living in a society that often lacks diversity put me in a spotlight that wasn’t always welcoming, leading me to create a facade that would help me blend in,” she recounted.
 
However, she eventually discovered that embracing her true self was the key to freedom. “I want to demonstrate how art can catalyze healing and purpose, reflecting beauty and resilience.”
 
“Hybrid Heart”, represents a profound exploration of Prip’s identity and heritage. “I want to encourage self-discovery by showing that it’s okay to be a mix of different colours, and cultures and that there’s beauty in diversity,” Prip emphasised,
“This exhibition provides a platform for me to express my identity and connect with others on a deeper level, influenced by my travels to over nine countries in the past 14 months,” she emphasised.
Through vibrant colours and textures, Prip conveys emotions and invites viewers to connect with her journey.
 
Prip’s creative process involves intuition, emotion, and storytelling. “I let my intuition guide me, choosing elements that resonate with me at the moment. Each piece is driven by a desire to tell a story or evoke an emotion.” Inspired by life experiences, nature, and music, she weaves diverse influences into her art.
  
As a singer-songwriter, Prip will also perform at the prestigious Felabration Festival in Lagos, showcasing her talents alongside her exhibition.
“My music serves as the emotional backdrop to my art, while my visual creations bring depth and texture to the songs. They complement each other – two expressions of the same core.”
At Felabration, audiences can expect an authentic and heartfelt performance. “I’ll be sharing my compositions, bringing my heart and soul to the stage. I aim to create a genuine connection through music.”
 
For Prip, art transcends cultural boundaries, highlighting shared humanity. “Art has no limits, no borders; it is all feelings, which we all share.”
Her partnership with BILATERAL, founded by Bakare Mubarak, aligns with her vision of celebrating diversity through art.
“Bakare introduced me to the talented artist Doba Afolabi, and I had the opportunity to visit his gallery, which was an inspiring experience. From that moment, we recognized the value of merging our unique perspectives to create something meaningful and impactful.”
 
Prip’s evolution has significantly influenced her art and music.
“As I evolve, so does my work. I’ve embraced vulnerability and authenticity in a way that makes my art and music deeply personal and more resonant.” Every piece she creates carries a part of her within it, and knowing that someone might find healing or connection through her expression is incredibly powerful.
 
Through “Hybrid Heart”, Prip hopes audiences walk away feeling a deeper sense of connection and a fresh perspective on identity. “My aim is for them to recognize the beauty in hybridity—the power that lies in embracing every facet of who we are.” She envisions her work evolving into something even more experimental and immersive, incorporating new mediums and collaborations with global artists.
 
As Prip prepares to share her “Hybrid Heart” with Nigeria, her message to her audience is one of gratitude and inspiration. “I want to encourage Nigerians to trust their intuition, follow their hearts, and see strength in the unity of diverse experiences and identities.” Her parting advice to emerging artists resonates deeply: “Stay authentic and embrace what makes you unique. Don’t shy away from taking bold steps, and always remember that your path is yours to walk.”
 
With “Hybrid Heart”,  Prip invites us to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural celebration, and artistic expression.