Nanna Prip’s Solo Exhibition, Hybrid Heart, Sells Out in Lagos

Mary Nnah

Nanna Prip’s solo exhibition, “Hybrid Heart”, presented by BILARTERAL, has achieved unprecedented success in Lagos, selling out and resonating deeply with the local audience.
This extraordinary showcase transcends the traditional boundaries of art, evolving into an intimate exploration of identity, belonging, and the relentless pursuit of finding one’s true home.

“Hybrid Heart” is more than an art exhibition; it’s a poignant narrative of self-discovery, told through vibrant colours, evocative feelings, and profound introspection.

Prip’s personal journey, reflected in each painting, chronicles her travels to over nine countries, weaving a complex tapestry of emotions and experiences.

As a musician and composer, Prip has spent years channeling emotions into sound, connecting with others through frequencies and rhythm. However, with “Hybrid Heart”, she shared a different side of her inner world, visually translating feelings that are deeply personal.

Each brushstroke conveys the longing for a place to call home, echoing the universal human quest for belonging.
The Odama Contemporary Art Gallery in Nigeria provided the perfect setting for “Hybrid Heart,” fostering an atmosphere of warmth and connection.

The exhibition’s reception was overwhelming, with many viewers finding reflections of their own identities and stories in the pieces. This sparked meaningful conversations about belonging, existence, and the importance of authenticity.

Prip recalled, “Nigeria welcomed Hybrid Heart with open arms, and the exhibition sold out, which was a profound validation of my work and my journey. It felt like a big, warm embrace, opening doors to conversations and connections I hadn’t anticipated, and showing me how art can cross cultural boundaries to speak to the heart.”

The success of “Hybrid Heart” in Nigeria felt like coming home for Prip. Her art found a new resonance, reflecting the warmth and spirit of the Nigerian landscape, which felt like a personal and cultural validation.

Prip acknowledges the pivotal role of BILARTERAL, her agency, in bridging cultural gaps and making this journey possible. Together, they crossed borders, creating an experience of connection, conversation, and belonging.

As “Hybrid Heart” continues to grow, Prip promises new works, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and connection. Nigeria’s soulful warmth will forever be etched in the exhibition’s journey.

Looking ahead, Prip shared, “I remember a conversation with one visitor where I said, ‘If Nigeria were a music genre, it would be soul and R&B—warm, deep, and full of life.”

The next chapter of “Hybrid Heart” is already unfolding, with Prip working on a new body of work to be presented by BILARTERAL. The location will be unveiled in the coming months.

“Hybrid Heart is a living, breathing expression of my ongoing journey—one of identity, belonging, and the endless pursuit of understanding who we are in relation to the world around us. This journey is only beginning, and I’m grateful to everyone who has become part of it”, Prip noted.