Still on Climate Change, DeBebs Interpretes the Niger Delta Mangroves
Really, the Lagos art community should be looking forward to Dr. John Edwin DeBebs’s triumphant return to the art scene with his solo exhibition, titled The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangrove & Art: An Art Exhibition of Paintings by Interpreting the Niger Delta Mangroves in Brushstrokes & Colours.
This highly anticipated show bursts onto the scene on Tuesday, March 5, at the West Tower of the Wings Office Complex in Victoria Island and runs until March 18. Curated by the visionary Oriiz U Onuwaje, this exhibition marks a milestone—DeBebs’ first in 26 years. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the distinguished artist and environmental advocate, who has spent years immersed in the intricate narratives of the Niger Delta mangroves.
For aficionados visiting the exhibition, they will be enveloped by DeBebs’ vibrant brushstrokes and lush colours, which capture the very soul of this breathtaking ecosystem. The Niger Delta mangroves, nestled in the coastal embrace of the region, are one of the world’s most ecologically precious jewels. Each artwork is a masterful expression of the ecosystem’s breathtaking beauty, intertwined with complex tales of struggle and resilience.
The exhibition’s curation draws inspiration from historian Tekena N. Tamuno’s seminal work, “The Oil Wars in the Niger Delta: 1849-2009.” This crucial historical context weaves together colonial and postcolonial experiences, shedding light on the region’s enduring socio-cultural and political challenges.
What sets this exhibition apart is its thoughtful curation, which avoids reductive stereotypes and instead celebrates the region’s authentic artistry and thematic depth.
The result is a thought-provoking exhibition that not only showcases DeBebs’ artistic prowess but also sparks critical conversations about the Niger Delta mangrove ecosystem.
