O’DA Art is pleased to present, Walk like a Champion, Abe Odedina’s first solo exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria.
This new body of work is a testament to this special gathering and the thrilling opportunity to finally exhibit in Nigeria again and most importantly, to make a show for his Mother ahead of the centenary of her birth. Its title, that Odedina attests, ‘is not about swagger. It’s not about strutting around. It’s about what you think a champion is? It’s about being undeniably true to yourself. When we say “walk”, it’s in a more important sense than one foot in front of the other. It’s how you go through life. It’s the Big Walk.’
This exhibition exemplifies the artist’s personal philosophies, whilst emphasising what he is eager to communicate – to his Mother, to us, to the world.
Odedina was given the tools to walk like this from his Mother, who taught him to never be obstinate or inflexible about ideas, that you always have choice, and you have the freedom to explore. Through his practice where he embraces figurative work comfortably with abstract concepts, the artist gifts these tactics to us.
Walk like a Champion is ultimately about being comfortable with your undeniable, ever changing self. By unapologetically employing acrylic alchemy between different symbols and styles, Odedina births casually fantastic characters that we can see ourselves in.
ABE ODEDINA
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, now living in London (UK) and Salvador Bahia (Brazil). Abe Odedina had a successful architecture career before starting to paint on a trip to Brazil in 2007. Working on board rather than canvas, Odedina’s tableaus embody all the solidity – and practicality – of shop fronts or municipal murals. Compositional elements of Renaissance portraiture, devotional painting and even pop art frame figures from diverse mythologies (Yoruba, Haitian, Ancient Greek) as well as passers-by or characters plucked from the artist’s own imagination. ‘If, like me, you don’t have the discipline or the interest in holding these clear categories,’ says Odedina, ‘then maybe it’s better to enjoy that morphing, from hard facts to poetry, from something to nothing.’
Location: O'DA Art | 10 Sir Samuel Manuwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday | 11am - 6pm
