By Damiete Braide
In the bustling city of Lagos, the National Gallery of Art (NGA) stands as a beacon of creativity, celebrating Nigeria’s artistic vibrancy.
The iconic Aina Onabolu Building comes alive with the Pop-Up Art Sales Exhibition, a kaleidoscope of color and talent designed to captivate and inspire.
Organised by National Gallery of Art (NGA) , in collaboration with National Council for Arts and Culture, the exhibition had 36 works of art exhibited, while the exhibition runs till January 10, 2025.
It is here that Dr. Celestine Agoziem, the curator of NGA’s Lagos Station, continues his mission of spotlighting Nigerian creativity.
Dr. Agoziem’s journey into the art world began in the corridors of academia, where his study of History offered a gateway to understanding humanity’s complex narratives. “History is an art form in its own right,” he muses. “It tells stories, much like a painting or sculpture. Even journalism, which I later delved into, is a form of artistry —capturing the essence of events and crafting narratives with words.” For Dr. Agoziem, art transcends mediums, intertwining to create a rich tapestry of human expression.
His curatorial philosophy reflects this belief in art’s interconnectedness. He views creativity as a boundless entity, where one form complements and enhances another. “The core of art lies in its beauty,” he explains. “Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or performance, art speaks to the human soul. My role is to curate exhibitions that reveal these connections and celebrate Nigerian artistry in all its forms.”
The Pop-Up Art Sales Exhibition epitomizes this vision. Launched to coincide with the festive season, the event is more than an exhibition: it’s an immersive experience. Visitors meander through a vibrant array of works, each piece telling a story of culture, identity, and heritage. “This concept of ‘pop-up art’ is deliberately inclusive,” Dr. Agoziem shares. “It embraces everything, transcending traditional boundaries to make art accessible to everyone.”
The event also represents a collaborative milestone between the NGA and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). For Dr. Agoziem, partnerships like this are essential. “While our institutions have different mandates, we share a common goal, to tell the story of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. This collaboration strengthens our collective ability to share that story with the world,” he states.
Curating such an exhibition, however, requires meticulous planning. Dr. Agoziem emphasizes the importance of balancing diversity with inclusivity. “Nigeria’s art is as diverse as its people,” he notes. “My task is to ensure that every region, culture, and style is represented, creating a holistic narrative that resonates with everyone.” Despite his dedication, the challenges of curating in Nigeria are significant, particularly when it comes to funding.
“Art in Nigeria often operates on limited resources,” he laments. “Private-sector support is scarce, yet it is crucial for events like this to thrive. Imagine if art exhibitions had the same sponsorship as the English Premier League, think of the possibilities!” Dr. Agoziem dreams of a future where private investment bolsters the arts, enabling Nigerian creativity to shine on a global stage.
Technology also plays a pivotal role in shaping modern exhibitions. From digital tools that enhance production processes to advanced lighting systems that transform spaces, its potential is vast. However, Dr. Agoziem acknowledges that the NGA still grapples with infrastructural challenges. “Our current lighting systems, for example, don’t always do justice to the artworks. But we’re continuously working to overcome these limitations,” he says, hopeful for future improvements.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Agoziem remains optimistic about the future of Nigerian art. He highlights a cultural shift in how art is perceived. “Parents who once dismissed art as a viable career are now embracing its potential,” he notes. “Today, Nigerian artists are achieving global recognition, with works by legends like Ben Enwonwu selling for millions. This shift is inspiring a new generation to pursue their creative passions.”
Dr. Agoziem envisions a thriving art scene over the next decade. He anticipates Nigerian art schools producing a wave of talented individuals, while existing artists gain greater global recognition. Under visionary leadership, he believes the NGA will play a pivotal role in this evolution. “With the right support, the NGA can elevate Nigerian art to unprecedented heights,” he asserts.
As visitors explore the Pop-Up Art Sales Exhibition, they experience firsthand the transformative power of art. Each piece is more than an aesthetic object—it is a story, a reflection of the artist’s soul and a testament to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition not only celebrates the past but also lays the groundwork for a future where art thrives as a cornerstone of national identity.
For Dr. Agoziem, the exhibition is a labor of love and a statement of purpose. “Art has come to stay,” he declares. Through initiatives like this, the NGA is not just preserving Nigeria’s artistic legacy—it is crafting a narrative of resilience, innovation, and boundless creativity. As the lights of the Aina Onabolu Building shine brightly, they illuminate not just the artworks within but the limitless potential of Nigerian art on the global stage.
In a world increasingly shaped by digital connections, Dr. Agoziem’s work reminds us of the irreplaceable power of tangible, human creativity. The Pop-Up Art Sales Exhibition is more than a celebration of art, it is a celebration of Nigeria itself, a nation whose stories are as diverse and dynamic as the people who create them.