Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT is set to take center stage in a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and identity as artists and cultural stakeholders gather for the upcoming Iconic Abuja exhibition.
The exhibition is a project aimed at reshaping narratives and showcasing the capital’s unique appeal.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the exhibition, the Deputy Spokesperson of the German Embassy in Abuja, Dorothea Wenze, emphasised the importance of cultural collaboration in strengthening international relations and supporting creative communities.
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“Cultural foreign policy is one of the pillars of German foreign policy. We strive to empower artists, photographers, and creative people, while creating spaces for networking and collaboration. We are grateful to be part of this initiative,” she said.
The exhibition, led by renowned visual storyteller Bolaji Alonge, popularly known as Eyes of a Lagos Boy, brings together a diverse group of artists committed to telling authentic Nigerian stories through art and photography.
Alonge noted that the project was inspired by a need to counter prevailing negative narratives about Nigeria and encourage citizens to appreciate their environment.
“We forget sometimes to celebrate how beautiful we are as a country. There is always a wave of negative news, but we have more positive stories to tell. This project is about us as storytellers, coming together to showcase the beauty of Abuja,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s diversity, Alonge noted that, “From the north to the south, the climate, the people, and the experiences are different. Even within Abuja, there are unique environments we often overlook. These are things we should celebrate.”
More Support
He also called on the government to provide more support for the creative sector.
“Artists need support. We need spaces to express ourselves. Protect green spaces and create environments where creativity can thrive,” he appealed.
A German Photographer, Katharina Sasse, one of the international collaborators, described her experience working in Abuja as both enriching and inspiring. Through her lens, she seeks to capture the essence of everyday life in the city.
“For me, photography is about connection. I speak with people before photographing them. I try to understand their stories. The people are the soul of the city, and my work reflects their lives, their moments, and their stories,” Sasse said.
Also speaking, a contemporary artist, Aisha Mbaya, highlighted her focus on revealing unseen beauty through her work.
“My art deals with the environment and the people. I try to make people see beauty in places and moments they might otherwise overlook,” she said.
Painter and human rights activist Moses Shodipo described his art as a tool for social reflection and advocacy.
“My work captures the daily lives of Nigerians—their aspirations, their struggles, and their contradictions. Art is a vessel for memory and a voice for the people,” Shojobo explained.
Organisers say the exhibition will not only provide a platform for artistic expression but also create opportunities for cultural exchange, networking, and public engagement.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience and purchase artworks that reflect the spirit and identity of Abuja.
Featuring 15 professional artists, the Iconic Abuja exhibition represents a fusion of African and European perspectives, underscoring the power of art as a universal language.
As anticipation builds, stakeholders express optimism that Iconic Abuja will inspire a renewed appreciation for the capital city and reinforce the role of art in shaping national narratives.