Wura-Natasha Ogunji has captivated the art world with her multifaceted practice. She employs traverse mediums and explores intricate themes as she journeys between the two countries. Ogunji’s upcoming exhibition titled “Lalala ha!” at Tiwani Contemporary‘s Lagos gallery will again reveal her artistry’s depth and complexity.
Ogunji’s artistic journey is influenced by her deep connection to her Nigerian roots and life in the United States. After years of shuttling between Austin, Texas, and Lagos, Nigeria, she navigates the intersection between the two worlds. Her art is a conduit between the two rich cultures. Existing in both worlds motivated her decision to settle in Lagos, where she founded The Treehouse, an exhibition space in Lagos in 2018.
“Lalala ha!” is a solo exhibition that promises to approach Ogunji’s intricate relationship with Lagos visually. Conceptualized as a series of changing vignettes with a non-linear narrative, the exhibition embraces the characteristics of the gallery space itself as an integral component of the art. The artist factors in the height of ceilings, the acoustics, the industrial floors, and even the windows to engage in a dialogue with the artworks on display, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for viewers. She is inviting the viewers to see, feel, and understand the different dimensions of the world while staying grounded in their roots.
The exhibition “Lalala ha!” celebrates Ogunji’s deep fascination with the essence of Lagos and its influence on her art. She aims to capture the nuanced gestures, rhythms, and ways of being that define life in the bustling city. Drawing inspiration from Édouard Glissant’s philosophy, the artist similarly celebrates diverse ways of existing and creating. With her works, she reimagines the gallery as a transformative space.
The presented body of work varies across various mediums. From performance to painting, drawing, and embroidered stitches. One notable piece, “Two Figures Standing in an Embrace,” combines her use of embroidery and paint, exemplifying the evolution of her drawing style. While the stitch remains present, Ogunji delves deeper into the painted surface, creating vibrant lines of motion that represent time and distance between the two subjects. These artworks allow the audience to see and understand the possibilities that this immense Atlantic separation might allow.
“Lalala ha!” invites viewers to engage with Ogunji’s intimate exploration of Lagosian life while encouraging contemplation and discussion. Through her fusion of mediums, dedication to capturing nuances, and celebration of diverse ways of being, Wura-Natasha Ogunji is poised to leave an indelible mark on the art world with “Lalala ha!“.
The exhibition will be on view from the 16th of September to the 5th of November, 2023 at Tiwani Contemporary.
