Victoria Ndubuisi's Solo Exhibition “Ọmụgwọ” at Nomadic Art Gallery Journeys Through Motherhood
- Art Report Africa
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Victoria Ndubuisi’s distinctive approach to painting captures attention in a remarkable way. In her ongoing solo exhibition titled "Ọmụgwo," she employs a unique marbling technique for the backgrounds of her artworks, created through the dynamic act of performance.
By pouring paint onto her body while engaging with the canvas, Ndubuisi generates intricate marbling patterns that serve as the foundation for her pieces. This innovative process not only transforms the canvas but also embodies the physicality and emotional depth of her artistic journey.
Ọmụgwo invites viewers into the intimate and transformative journey of motherhood through a lens both personal and universal. The title, derived from the Igbo language of South-Eastern Nigeria, embodies the essence of nurturing—a vital process in which family and community come together to support a new mother in her early days of motherhood. Through her performance-driven practice, Ndubuisi creates a visceral connection between her experiences and the artwork, allowing the audience to witness the transformative power of art as it relates to the themes of care and support.
Central to the exhibition is the concept of communal care, which reflects the core of the ọmụgwọ tradition. Traditionally, it is the mother’s mother or the partner’s mother who steps in to provide essential support during this vulnerable period. Ndubuisi emphasizes that nurturing can extend beyond biological ties, highlighting how family connections and community involvement play a critical role in fostering well-being for both mother and child. Her performances, infused with the energy and emotion of her experiences, serve as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility involved in motherhood.
“As an Igbo woman, ọmụgwọ is a very important practice that we offer new moms, which helps them learn how to nurture and care for their babies. It is essential that the new mother is equally taken care of, to avoid issues of postpartum depression,” Ndubuisi shares. Her artistic process not only reflects her own journey as a new mother but also underscores the importance of seeking support and practicing self-care during this transformative time.
Victoria Ndubuisi, born and raised in the creative environment of Badagry, uses her art to raise awareness about cultural heritage and personal narratives. She graduated from Corporate DanceWorld in 2015 and holds a Higher National Diploma in Painting and a National Diploma in Fine Art from Yaba College of Technology, where she graduated in 2022. Now a full-time artist in Lagos, she continually pushes her creative boundaries, using performance to explore identity and transformation.
“Victoria Ndubuisi’s performance-driven painting process is truly unique, as it transcends traditional boundaries of art. It is a profoundly spiritual journey that demands a deep connection within herself, allowing her to channel her emotions and experiences onto the canvas. This intimate dialogue between her body and the artwork creates a transformative experience, inviting viewers to engage with the essence of her paintings in a deeply resonant way” – Mercy Imiegha, Curator.
Ọmụgwọ is a celebration of resilience, the power of community, and the deep-rooted traditions that shape our understanding of care and support. It serves as a poignant reminder that nurturing is a shared responsibility, echoing the sentiment that every mother deserves a network of love and assistance as she navigates the profound changes that accompany new life.
The exhibition opened on Saturday, March 29th and runs until April 19th, 2025.
For more information, visit the Nomadic Art Gallery