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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Lagos:20261101T100000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Lagos:20270131T160000
DTSTAMP:20261014T195802Z
CREATED:20261014T195801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T195802Z
UID:10001543-1793527200-1801411200@artguideafrica.com
SUMMARY:Chika Okeke-Agulu: Freedom Bird
DESCRIPTION:Next month is art season in Lagos\, and I am pleased to present my latest offering: \nChika Okeke-Agulu: Freedom Bird \nYemisi Shyllon Museum of Art\, Pan-Atlantic University\, Lagos \nNov. 1\, 2026 – Jan. 31\, 2027. \nVIP Opening: 12 pm Nov 8\, 2026 \nThe 1980s and 1990s marked a turbulent period in Nigeria’s post-civil war history. The return of military rule in 1983\, the economic hardships of structural adjustment\, the annulment of the June 12\, 1993 presidential election\, and the repressive dictatorship of General Sani Abacha (1993–1998) profoundly shaped the country’s political and cultural landscape. These crises drove many scholars\, writers\, and artists into exile. \n“Chika Okeke-Agulu: Freedom Bird” examines how these historical upheavals and the experiences shaped the artist’s practice. Bringing together paintings\, drawings\, and sculptures spanning more than three decades\, the exhibition explores his sustained engagement with tyranny\, democratic aspirations\, freedom\, and belonging. \nInterweaving personal biography with reflections on Nigeria’s political history\, Okeke-Agulu’s works address oppression\, resistance\, memory\, love\, and nostalgia. “Freedom Bird” presents the artist as both witness and social critic\, revealing art’s capacity to confront history and imagine possibilities of freedom. \nAs Nigeria enters an important election season and with the in the context of ongoing debates about mass youth emigration (the so called japa phenomenon)\, tightening borders\, and the continued displacement of African intellectuals and creatives outside Africa. Freedom Bird offers a timely opportunity to engage with these issues. \nThe exhibition is accompanied by a forthcoming monograph that examines the artist’s practice in detail. \nImages:\n1. Tyranny and Democracy (detail)\, 1994.\nAcrylic on canvas\, 152.5 X 853.5 cm (seven panels) \n2. Prisoner (detail)\, 2001.\nCharcoal and pastel on paper\, (4 panels) 22.8 X 30.2 cm each \nDetails by @e_hanyi\, @shyllonmuseum\, @artandarchaeologyprinceton\, @smocontemporaryart. \n*** \nDisclaimer: Unless explicitly stated\, ArtGuideAfrica does not own\, endorse and is not affiliated with any event/organisation included on this event calendar. All promotional information for this event belongs to the organiser and is subject to change at the discretion of the organiser. ArtGuideAfrica’s use of this promotional information qualifies as “fair dealing” (also “fair use”) under copyright law. \nThese Event details were last updated on: [14/10/2026]
URL:https://artguideafrica.com/art-event/chika-okeke-agulu-freedom-bird/
LOCATION:Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art\, Pan-Atlantic University\, Pan-Atlantic University\, Lekki 105101\, Lagos\, Lagos\, Nigeria
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,in-person,Lagos,Nigeria
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://artguideafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/freedombirdchikaokeke-scaled.png
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