Lagos, July 24th—The Yemisi Shyllon
Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki was the setting for a transformative event titled #AREWA, curated by Aisha Aliyu-Bima. Supported by a grant from @africanofilter, the exhibition was a pioneering exploration of Northern Nigerian culture and identity, attracting media professionals for a comprehensive Journalist Workshop.
Aisha Aliyu-Bima, during the workshop, described the show as an “exhibition that explores the stories and practice of contemporary artistic practitioners from the North.” She said the exhibition “invites viewers to look deeply into the works,” believing “they will find many points of commonality and wonderful stories.” The curator continued, “it also seeks to create more pipelines between the art practitioners in the North and the mainstream art space in Nigeria, Africa and beyond; and to bring important issues like cultural preservation in an ever-evolving world to the fore.”
This carefully curated workshop provided an engaging and educational experience, highlighting the media’s role in shaping narratives and dismantling stereotypes. Emphasizing authentic representation, the event sought to deepen understanding of Northern Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.
The day’s activities began with a meet-and-greet session, setting the stage for a day of enlightening discussions and interactions. This was followed by a welcome address that laid the groundwork for the workshop’s insightful sessions. Attendees embarked on an immersive “Walk with the Curator,” personally led by Aisha Aliyu-Bima, who offered a unique perspective on the exhibition’s themes.
The highlight of the workshop was a panel discussion focusing on the critical role of media in crafting and conveying narratives. During the panel discussion, Aisha Aliyu-Bima spoke about the gap in the north, saying there is not enough representation of northern artists. She said the highlights include bringing people together, identity, and projecting the voices of women artists from the north. Participants explored how media portrayals can either perpetuate stereotypes or promote diverse and accurate representations. This was further emphasized during the “Better Representation Seminar,” which sparked meaningful conversations about the need for genuine and multifaceted depictions of Northern Nigeria in the media.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where participants engaged directly with the curator, gaining deeper insights into the exhibition’s objectives and its broader implications for cultural representation.
The #AREWA exhibition, through its Journalist Workshop, successfully challenged preconceived notions and provided a platform for Northern Nigerian stories to be told in their own voices. It set a new benchmark for cultural exhibitions, fostering a renewed appreciation for the region’s rich heritage and the pivotal role of media in its representation.
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