By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Photo from the art exhibition |
For decades, the coastal town of Badagry has been synonymous with its somber colonial history. However, a new wave of creative energy is shifting the spotlight. The Badagry Young Contemporaries (BYC), under the Badagry Contemporary Art Foundation, is successfully reclaiming the town's narrative, asserting its position as a powerhouIse within the broader Nigerian art ecosystem.
The group’s second annual exhibition, titled "Gbeto: An Ode to Humanism," recently opened at the Heritage Museum in Badagry. Curated by Paul Ayihawu, the showcase features nine visionary artists who bridge the gap between ancient Ogu philosophy and modern-day social realities.
Art as a Mirror: Spirituality and Resilience
The exhibition thrives on the diversity of its contributors. Artists like Muyideen Olayinka and Mariam Olubunmi explore the delicate balance of survival. Olayinka’s work highlights the "quiet rhythms of everyday life," turning labor and memory into visual testaments of human dignity. Meanwhile, Olubunmi uses a unique pyro-collage technique burning and layering materials on mirrors to explore healing and the divine essence of Mau (the human spirit).
In a stark contrast of style, Andrew Nathan tackles the traumatic legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. His paintings use vivid red hues and expressive faces to reject romanticized history, demanding a confrontation with pain and resistance. His provocative piece, Black Jesus, serves as a critique of how religion has historically been used as a tool of control.
Tradition Meets Urban Pulse
The exhibition also celebrates the vibrancy of Ogu culture. Sejiro Mesewaku captures the kinetic energy of traditional dance in Rhythm of the Ancestors, treating heritage as a living, breathing archive rather than a static relic.
Adding a contemporary edge, pop graffiti artist Larry The Great infuses the show with street culture and urban fantasy. His bold, animated figures mask deeper meditations on patience and self-becoming, proving that Badagry’s identity is as much about the future as it is about the past. Other exhibiting talents include Gbolahan Shonibare, Muktar Mustafa, Emenandu Moses, and Ogunshola Clinton, each contributing to a multifaceted view of local life.
Decentralizing the Lagos Art Scene
Supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Adegbola Art Project, BYC is successfully challenging the "Lagos-centric" art narrative. By hosting world-class exhibitions in Badagry, the foundation is proving that significant cultural production happens far beyond the galleries of Victoria Island or Ikoyi.
The movement’s reach extended to the British Council Nigeria earlier this year through the BYC Art Salon. This initiative provided a platform for emerging voices to engage with a global audience, culminating in a dialogue titled "Art as a Tool for Community Building and Cultural Preservation."
A Vision for the Future
Curator Paul Ayihawu notes that this year’s programming is about "continuity." The goal is to ensure Badagry remains a vital cultural node where memory and community intersect. As the 2025 exhibition concludes, it leaves behind a clear message: Badagry is no longer just a site of history it is a thriving laboratory for the future of African art.
The "Gbeto" exhibition is open to the public at the Heritage Museum, Badagry, until January 10, 2026.