Big 60 & International Video Art Festival Lagos 2014/2015
A Whitespace, 58 Raymond Njoku SW Ikoyi Lagos January 22nd 7pm In 2014, VAN Lagos was invited as one of the art organizations at the International Artists Initiated (IAI) project, presented by the David Dale Gallery and Studios as part of The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. This took place alongside the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland . This is a video installation that simulates an Owambe ambience. Owambe translates as "He/She was there", a colloquial expression for a party where the who-is-who in the Nigerian society are in attendance. Visual cues tell of ties to a celebrant through fabric materials that provide uniformity and a sense of belonging. The entire scene is illuminated by shimmering headpieces (gele) and brilliantly coloured costumes (aso ebi), all creatively embroidered and worn with accustomed grace. Reciprocity is practiced in that giving flows in all directions, from the celebrant to the families a...