From 28th to 30th April 2022, Nigerian Writer, Poet, and Performer Wana Udobang held her first mixed media installation, ‘Dirty Laundry,’ curated by Naomi Edobor with support from Ford Foundation at Whitespace, Ikoyi in Lagos, Nigeria.
The inaugural event opened with the unveiling of the gripping project, where Udobang shared the ethos behind her body of work and inspiration with members of the press. Key project stakeholders joined her including Ford Foundation’s program associate and human rights advocate, Onyinye Onyemobi, and art curator and founder of Dica Arts, Naomi Edobor, who shared their appreciation for Udobang’s work and echoed their mutual passion for the thought-provoking topics it addressed.
For Day 2, Udobang was joined by the founder of Mirabel Centre, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, visual storyteller and founder of Revolving Art Incubator, Jumoke Sanwo, and Onyinye Onyemobi for an impactful Panel Discussion, moderated by multi-media personality Folu Storms, tagged, “Is Art Enough?” Exploring the role of art in activism. The insightful and evoking discourse featured an interactive session between the panelists and attendees.
The art installation welcomed some of Nigeria’s finest artists, art collectors, thought leaders, and shapers in business, media, fashion, and more. Guests were treated to a walkthrough of the ‘Dirty Laundry’ installation with Udobang and invited to participate in an immersive activity of sharing their anonymous confessions while enjoying one of the artist’s pieces resounded over the speakers.
On Saturday, April 30, Dirty Laundry officially concluded with creatives and an array of art enthusiasts joining the line-up of guests who experienced a powerful poetry performance by Udobang herself. “I was moved beyond comprehension,” said one guest, “I expected to feel it, but nothing like this. This was absolutely amazing.”
Birthed from personal narratives, histories, experiences, and imaginaries, ‘Dirty Laundry’ is a form of catharsis by Udobang to the viewer. The works are bold and unapologetic about issues around womanhood, sexual and gender violence, feminine agency, healing, and reimagination.
The unique installation will continue with future performances planned in both Port Harcourt and Abuja later in the year.
More Pictures from the event:
Photo Credits:
Installation Day: Victor Adewale
Day 1: Victor Adewale
Day 2 and 3 by Eniolatito Abumere
