Nigerian Artists Explore Fragile Bonds of Unity in Lagos Exhibition

A group of artists is offering fresh perspectives on unity in a thought-provoking exhibition that questions long-standing ideas about communal identity and the cultural cohesion of everyday Nigerian life.

The exhibition, titled Deconstructing Unity, is currently showing at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, and will run until 30 April.

Featured artists Moses Oghagbon, Klaranze Okhide, Kunle Ogunfuyi, and Abdulrazaq Ahmed present works that explore aspects of Nigerian communal life, particularly through the lens of the Argungu Fishing Festival and other symbols of shared purpose.

Moses Ohiomokhare explained that the exhibition, comprising 40 artworks, 10 from each artist, took six months to put together. According to him, the project originated from a vision by Oghagbon to bring a fresh dimension to his long-running Argungu Festival series, which he has developed over the past 21 years.

Also Read: Nigerian artists to perform at international festival

“Deconstructing Unity’ may sound puzzling at first,” Ohiomokhare said. “Here, ‘deconstructing’ refers to uncovering the hidden truths that shape our communal life, examining the overlooked routines, fractures, and symbols that bind, or fail to bind, us together.”

Oghagbon, speaking about his acrylic piece Man and Time, described how it captures the preparations leading up to the Argungu Festival, an essential yet often unseen element of the event’s mystique.

“The festival’s main purpose is to create unity among different ethnic groups,” he noted.

 “Collaborating with other artists also symbolises this spirit of collective purpose.”

Multi-functional artist Abdulrazaq Ahmed, who also contributed works to the exhibition, emphasised that unity at Argungu extends beyond fishing to include activities like wrestling, dance, and horse riding. His piece, The Gourd of Life, a blend of natural fibres and a traditional gourd, invites viewers to reflect on the complex nature of belonging and cultural identity.

Art collector and event chairman Billy Osemwegie praised the exhibition, calling it “A testament to how art fosters unity and strengthens cultural ties.” He added, “Art is a universal language. It transcends tribe, religion, and background.”

Through Deconstructing Unity, the artists prompt audiences to re-examine notions of togetherness, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the fragile, intricate ties that form the fabric of Nigerian society.