Dr. John Edwin DeBebs will exhibit his works in Lagos from March 5 to March 18, focusing on the themes of climate change and the Niger Delta mangroves. This marks his first exhibition in 26 years and is curated by Oriiz U Onuwaje. The show highlights the mangroves’ beauty and their socio-political histories, encouraging critical discourse on environmental issues.
The Lagos art community eagerly anticipates Dr. John Edwin DeBebs’ return to the spotlight with his upcoming solo exhibition, titled “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangrove & Art: An Art Exhibition of Paintings by Interpreting the Niger Delta Mangroves in Brushstrokes & Colours.” This event will open on Tuesday, March 5, at the West Tower of the Wings Office Complex in Victoria Island, and will be on display until March 18. This marks a noteworthy occasion as it represents DeBebs’ first exhibition in 26 years and his homecoming as both an artist and environmental advocate.
Visitors to the exhibition will engage with DeBebs’ dynamic brushwork and vibrant color palette, which vividly portrays the essence of the Niger Delta mangroves. These mangroves, essential to the ecological health of the region, serve as a backdrop for the artist’s representations of beauty, resilience, and the struggles inherent to this unique ecosystem. Each piece reflects the intricate relationship between art and the natural world, inviting viewers to reflect deeply on the environmental issues at play.
Furthermore, the exhibition draws from historian Tekena N. Tamuno’s pivotal work, “The Oil Wars in the Niger Delta: 1849-2009,” which provides crucial historical insight. This context helps illuminate the socio-cultural and political complexities that have defined the region’s history, allowing the exhibition to avoid common stereotypes and instead highlight authentic artistic expressions. Curator Oriiz U Onuwaje has crafted a thoughtful presentation that resonates with the themes of struggle and resistance.
DeBebs’ exhibition transcends simple aesthetic appreciation, instead fostering meaningful discussion regarding the ecological and social importance of the Niger Delta mangrove ecosystem. By marrying powerful imagery with poignant narratives, the artist engages audiences in a critical analysis of both art and environmental stewardship, enriching the cultural dialogue surrounding this vital region.
In summary, Dr. John Edwin DeBebs’ solo exhibition represents a significant opportunity for the Lagos art community to engage with critical environmental themes through compelling artistic expression. The careful curation of the exhibition, combined with the historical context it offers, encourages important conversations about the Niger Delta mangrove ecosystem and its broader implications for climate change and socio-political issues in the region.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
