Kogbe’s Exhibition Brings Back Obaino

Rebecca Ejifoma

A solo exhibition of Fine-Art and music, featuring the recent works of Temitope Kogbe, opened on Saturday January 4^th at the Miliki Company at Etim Inyang in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Behind the Camera

The Exhibition, which runs until 12^th this month, is titled “what do you do with a desire” and is being organized by Livingstone Studio and Nrazor. According to the artist the exhibition of his 13 works celebrates his photography alongside Obaino music produced in Nigeria from the 60s to 80s.

“I’m just trying to show what happens from behind the camera. There was the energy around this period, which I felt was very strong. I just thought I needed to document it. There are so many musicians out there, who sing completely different from what we used to have. I felt a need to remind Nigerians of what they are really missing − the music of the 60s,” he explained.

He said that Nigerians needed to take their destinies into their hands; “I’m not saying we should carry guns. But we should change the area around us even if it’s sending one person to school. We shouldn't wait for the government to do everything for us. There is a general dissatisfaction cutting across politics and religions.”

Some of his works from the show is featured by Wikipedia as illustration for the Occupy Nigeria segment. The images include: A compelling Desire, Spirit of the Times, What do you do with a desire, People Power Possibilities, One, Force field of the spirit. “My works in one voice is about all notions that underlay the mass movement,” he added.

Meanwhile, the world acclaimed artist, Nneka Egbuna, presented a few of her new songs at the show. Also, music from the records were played.

Temitope Kogbe is a contemporary photographer and business economist. He has had other exhibitions in the past both within and outside Nigeria notably ‘The Light in Jazz’ sponsored by the British Airways.

The exhibition promises to be a week of 80s Disco, afro-funk (vinyl based jams), fine wine and tings and of course fine art. All photos will be printed on Museum Grade, Enhanced Velvet Fine Art Paper by Art Related Limited.