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The Space in Montclair to Host a Celebration of Contemporary African Artists on 2/1
Montclair art gallery, The Space, will kick off Black History Month with an extra-special art exhibit showcasing emerging Nigerian artists in collaboration with Zora Obi Studios. The exhibit, titled Ethereal Shadows, will be on display at 356 Bloomfield Avenue Loft #2 in Montclair and captures a unique immersion into the pulse of Nigeria’s art community. Keep reading to learn more about this Montclair exhibit, the artists involved, and what to expect at Ethereal Shadows.
Photo Credit: Okereke via Zora Obi Studios
About The Exhibit
Zora Obi Studios and The Space curated this exclusive showcase as part of a mission to bring African artists to the forefront in honor of Black History Month. Ethereal Shadows is a vibrant exhibition highlighting the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian art and its impact on the global art scene. The Space in Montclair shared on its website that the exhibit will “offer a compelling portrait of Nigeria’s dynamic artistic community, shedding light on the artists who continue to define the cultural dialogue both within and beyond the borders of their home country.” The exhibit will be comprised of artists who will be storytelling through various mediums and perspectives to represent the true contemporary Nigerian experience.
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Featured Artists
The Ethereal Shadows exhibit features the works of five talented artists from Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora. Artists include Okereke, an abstract artist who draws from personal experience and human connection; “Elysees” Elsie Okoyigwe, a bold illustrator who explores the beauty of women and her African heritage; Oyedeji Mohammed aka “Astrowurld”, a digital artist who draws inspiration from pointillism and the symbolic representations of life; Ikay Ekhaguere, a painter and sculptor who hones in on the theme of love; and, last but not least, Amos Black.
Event organizer, art curator, and founder of Zora Obi Studios, Stephanie Obiorah, specifically shared her excitement for the works of Amos Black, who she said was the “star of the show” with an incredibly inspiring story. Stephanie told The Montclair Girl,“Amos Black is truly exceptional in that he defied all odds and his art is a testament to his resilience. Amos Black is a self-taught Nigerian artist who transformed years of hardship living on the streets from the age of 10 years old into moving expressions of resilience and hope on canvas.” Fun fact: Amos Black’s artwork has even been purchased by the likes of performing artist Usher. Stephanie noted to MG that attending and promoting Ethereal Shadows will continue to help raise awareness to support the artistic journeys of many African artists.
Photo Credit: Amos Black via Zora Obi Studios
The exhibit will also include a fundraising initiative to support a new generation of artists by benefiting an art school in Nigeria. Stephanie told MG that many of the featured artists face challenges in accessing basic necessities, yet they continue to produce powerful and inspiring work.
Attending The Exhibit
The opening reception for Ethereal Shadows will take place on Saturday, February 1st from 4PM-7PM at The Space, located at 356 Bloomfield Avenue Loft #2 in Montclair. The exhibit will remain open until March 16th, 2025. Interested attendees can RSVP for the free event here.
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Be sure to follow along with Zora Obi Studios and The Space for future shows and updates.
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