The contemporary art and photography show “Wake Up!” opens today, Saturday, by 3pm at Angels & Muse, 5 Sumbo Jibowu, off Ribadu, Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.
Curated by Awele Onwordi, a communications graduate and multi-dimensional artist, the exhibition features works from eight emerging Nigerian creatives: Ade(To)Juwon Anthony Adeniyi, Franklyn Okoye, Charles Lasisi, Ajilore Kehinde, Chuka Onwordi, Joshua Bakare, Lohi Simone, and Onwordi herself.
The collection spans photography, digital art, and painting. Onwordi said the exhibition is “focused on amplifying the voices of emerging Nigerian creatives. Rooted in a desire to challenge conventional narratives of Nigerian art, the exhibition foregrounds a new visual language one shaped by youth culture, lived realities, digital consciousness, and fluid identity.”
She added: “It will serve as a bridge between generations – inviting audiences to witness how Nigerian art is being redefined by a new wave of artists who are unafraid to experiment, disrupt, and speak honestly about their world in a new visual language and attitude while fostering an inclusive space where innovation thrives and authentic storytelling is celebrated.”
Onwordi concluded: “By confronting outdated artistic norms and encouraging intergenerational dialogue, Wake Up affirms the cultural value and global relevance of emerging Nigerian voices.”
The opening also features a performance by young musician treygtk, who has been quietly developing his sound since 2020. He will perform songs from his highly anticipated debut project, Party Tears. Speaking on the meaning behind the title, treygtk explained: “Party Tears is a title that describes the feeling I tried to convey while making this record. A feeling of longing and yearning, lost love and strained relationships set to danceable rhythms and melodies.”
Wake Up! aims to challenge conventional artistic narratives, encourage intergenerational dialogue, and inspire young creatives to see their work as culturally significant and globally relevant.
