unx-art’s latest group exhibition brings powerful new voices from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, exploring identity, memory, and cross-cultural dialogue through contemporary art.
Olasunkanmi Oyelusi, Sisters Love. Mixed media (Acrylic, oil pastel and charcoal), 100 x 100cm. Courtesy of the artist and unx-art.
unx-art, the curatorial and editorial platform dedicated to contemporary African art, is pleased to announce its upcoming group exhibition, ‘The Matter of Now: Seven Nigerian Minds in Freetown’. Opening with a private preview on May 15 at the unx-art gallery at Leicester Peak, this landmark presentation brings together seven Nigerian artists whose practices reflect the complexities, hopes, and evolving realities of contemporary life. The exhibition highlights the power of artistic exchange across African borders and continues unx-art’s mission to foster dialogue and connection within the continent’s creative communities.
Following the gallery’s inauguration on March 20 with the exhibition ‘Giving Goddess’, this new show marks a bold progression in unx-art’s commitment to bridging artistic geographies across West Africa and beyond.
‘The Matter of Now’ explores contemporary Nigeria’s urgent, multilayered realities, where art and life are inseparable. This exhibition frames the present as not static but as a fluid space where memory, material, and identity converge. Each artist responds to the “now” with a unique sensitivity to rhythm, myth, and lived experience, transforming the everyday into textured narratives that speak to individual and collective realities.
unx-art proudly features seven artists whose works offer diverse perspectives on African culture and societal values:
- Sor Sen, painter and author of Of Souls, Accents and Stillness, presents Soaking it in All II…, a contemplative piece that blends introspection and emotion.
- Helen Nzete contributes her watercolour V is for… series, which explores femininity through fluid form and colour.
- Chike Emembo introduces his distinctive “foam-storytelling” technique in the Muted Elegance series, weaving mystery and grace through texture.
- John Oyedemi brings vibrant impasto works capturing the regal energy of Northern Nigeria’s Durbar festivals.
- Imal Silva fuses science and art in Once in a Blue Moon, an imaginative reflection on natural cycles and cosmic wonder.
- Charles Achibi explores the human condition through calming colour palettes and therapeutic brushwork, evoking quiet renewal.
- Olasunkanmi Oyelusi delivers bold, Basquiat-inspired pieces filled with raw energy and expressive force.
Sarah Hachi-Duchêne, Founder and Curator of unx-art, states: “This is more than an exhibition—it’s a moment to listen closely. Nigerian contemporary art is unapologetically rich, layered with cultural, spiritual, and social narratives. ‘The Matter of Now’ invites viewers to consider a broader, more confident vision of Nigerian creativity—unfiltered, abundant, and powerful. My hope is that this exhibition sparks a meaningful exchange, one that transcends borders with intention and reciprocity.”
‘The Matter of Now’ reveals a vivid and evolving artistic landscape where personal stories meet cultural continuity. It celebrates Nigeria’s creative force—rooted, resonant, and defiantly alive.
unx-art is a digital-native platform for collectors and audiences drawn to the unexpected. With a focus on emerging African artists who challenge dominant narratives, the platform combines curatorial and editorial work to engage deeply with the evolving landscape of contemporary African art. Through exhibitions and editorial features, unx-art fosters meaningful connections within the continent and affirms its place in the global cultural dialogue.
The exhibition will be on view from the 16th to the 24th of May 2025. For more information, please visit unx-art.
