Lagos hosts ‘metal fusion’ exhibition

Four artists will present their works.

An exhibition of metal works by four Nigerian artists is opening to the public on September 16, at Temple Muse in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The presentation of the arts of Billy Omabegho, Alex Nwokolo, Fidelis Odogwu, and Uche Peters themed ‘Metal Fusion’ would include a diversified selection of 18 wall and free standing sculptures that touch on universal themes.

“Metal Fusion is a body of work which celebrates new expressions in Nigerian metal art,” said Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago, the exhibition’s Curator.

“From the geometric stainless steel sculptures of master sculptor, Billy Omabegho, to the symbolic forms created by carefully twisted and crocheted galvanized steel wires by Uche Peters, to the hammered and welded abstract mild steel forms of Fidelis Odogwu, to the layered metal montages of Alex Nwokolo.

“Metal Fusion encompasses an intriguing range of the artists’ skill and expression including the forming, bending, cutting, welding, twisting, and layering of different metals such as steel, wire mesh, and metal scraps from beer and soft drink cans fusing into a carefully interwoven visual narrative.”

In one of the metal works, ‘Weigh before you act,’ Peters used galvanized wires to create a man clutching a magnifying glass and a weighing balance.

In her blog ‘A view from my corner’, art critic Jess Castelotte describes Peters as an “unusual artist.”

“He ‘crochets’ and twists thin galvanized steel wire into two-dimensional ‘fabrics’ that he then uses to create three-dimensional works,” Castelotte says.

“This is heavy, physical work, but the end result is excellent,” Castelotte adds.

Outside the exhibition venue stands one of the exhibition works, Nwokolo’s Tree of Life – a lone baobab tree made up of finely layered pieces of flat painted metal.

Nwokolo said his fascination for trees inspired the work.

“I am still unflinchingly committed to my desire for adventure. I’m still seeking and configuring media for the dramatic and dynamic surprises they bring to my surfaces,” Nwokolo, 50, said.

“I am still thrilled by the dynamic effects created by accumulative patterns and fragmented forms. This helps to stabilize my art,” he added.

Other works to be exhibited include Peters Weigh Before You Act and Rumple; Odogwu’s Come and See, The Man and the Horse, The Dance, Aro Meta; and Omabegho’s Homage and Divergence, among others.

Odogwu described his works – one of which is named ‘The Source,’ an intricate metal wall hanging that looks like the crater of an overflowing volcano – as a way of preaching the gospel of love.

“My message is let’s come together, leave the wrongs of the past, let’s forge ahead,” said Odogwu.

The exhibition is supported by Veuve Clicquot and runs from September 16 to October 12.

“Internationally metal art is trending,” said Mbanefo-Obiago.

“At the same time, our art has historic roots in the refined use of metals seen in celebrated Benin bronze sculptures and plaques, some dating as far back as the 13th century.

“Metal Fusion is a body of work that creates linkages between our artistic roots and global art trends.”