Ukana’s Inspirations Wraps In Abuja

Visual artist Ayodele Ukana has concluded his five-day exhibition in Abuja tagged Inspirations. Staged at the Abuja Harrow Park Golf Club, the exhibition showcased unique art pieces, which drew heavily on experiences by the artist. Inspirations juxtaposed over 40 pieces that showcased the different styles and techniques of Ayodele’s creations in the same location.

The exhibition, which was attended by notable guests such as Mal. Shehu Malami (former Presidential aspirant), Dr. Paul Odili, Abubakar Sule-Katagum, Lanre Babalola, Hakeem Olopade, Arc. Kolawole, Barr. Emmanual Agunam (SAN), Ikenna Chidoka, Obinna & Ugonna Ihedioha and other notable personalities, is the first time that the versatile artist will showcase his works in Abuja after various exhibitions in Lagos.

Ukana was described by one of the guests as one, who came from a breed of artists, who studied the arts and then developed their own style. Versatility is one of his key strengths and this is exhibited in his works. He indeed seems to draw inspirations from all things around him; I can see pieces that represent his childhood growing up in Northern Nigeria to present day Lagos, as well as happenings in the society.

Many of the works in the Ayodele Ukana collect were bathed in an idealised sense of the culture, faith and life experiences. Themes such as Northern Nigerian celebrations and the celebration of womanhood were also present as subjects. Ukana explains during the exhibition, “these works represent different stages of my life and things I’ve seen, places I’ve been as well as stories I’ve read or heard but some of the works are things that just spring out of my mind, thus the title ‘inspirations’. 

Ayodele Ukana’s newfound medium-using bottle covers to make figurines gained lots of attention at the exhibition and private collectors snapped two of the three pieces up in the first two days of the five day exhibition. His wooden panels and foil works were also the centre of attraction. Ayodele’s attention to details on these pieces had many guests in awe.

Ukana creates sculpture panels and paintings tied deeply into African (Nigerian) themes, yet which are informed by a post-modern awareness. His paintings or panels as well as his sculptures, reveal the traditional African elements, but at the same time he is talking to a modern world, especially young people. He shows the balance between what leaves Africa for the rest of the world and what is coming back. This is a vital part of the modern African story.

His works also tell our history and culture, one of his masterpieces ‘Argungun’ shows the energy and euphoria of the world famous Argungun Fishing festival held in Kebbi state, while ‘Tales by Moonlight’ shows the richness of our Nigerian folktales and its usual characters. Ayo’s expressive wooden panels show his relationship to his northern upbringing and faith.