This highly anticipated show bursts onto the scene on Tuesday, March 5, at the West Tower of the Wings Office Complex in Victoria Island and runs until March 18. Curated by the visionary Oriiz U Onuwaje, this exhibition marks a milestone—DeBebs’ first in 26 years. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the distinguished artist and environmental advocate, who has spent years immersed in the intricate narratives of the Niger Delta mangroves.
For aficionados visiting the exhibition, they will be enveloped by DeBebs’ vibrant brushstrokes and lush colours, which capture the very soul of this breathtaking ecosystem. The Niger Delta mangroves, nestled in the coastal embrace of the region, are one of the world’s most ecologically precious jewels. Each artwork is a masterful expression of the ecosystem’s breathtaking beauty, intertwined with complex tales of struggle and resilience.
The exhibition’s curation draws inspiration from historian Tekena N. Tamuno’s seminal work, “The Oil Wars in the Niger Delta: 1849-2009.” This crucial historical context weaves together colonial and postcolonial experiences, shedding light on the region’s enduring socio-cultural and political challenges.