A Group Exhibition featuring:
Titus Agbara,
Kofi Agorsor,
Yusuf Dongo,
Damola Adepoju,
Chiamaka Iwenofu,
Oladotun Abiola,
Nzennaya Barry,
Ikechukwu Nnadi.
In life, we often find ourselves at pivotal moments where circumstances seem impossible, and the challenges feel overwhelming. Yet, history shows that the human spirit shines brightly in adversity. The journey of triumph against tough odds is beautifully captured in the phrase "against all odds." This group exhibition explores remarkable stories, motivations, and strategies that illustrate how individuals and communities rise even in the toughest circumstances.
The Essence of "Against All Odds"
The phrase "against all odds" describes achieving significant goals or overcoming major barriers despite adverse conditions. It embodies perseverance, grit, and determination. This concept applies to various aspects of life, including personal challenges, social issues, health crises, and workplace obstacles.
Individuals embodying this phrase have faced calamities, bias, and life-altering situations. Their stories serve as inspiring reminders of our potential to defy expectations and carve our paths.
The narratives differ widely—athletes overcoming physical disabilities or inventors challenging common beliefs. At the core of these tales lies a universal fact: the human spirit can conquer even the most challenging circumstances.
Inspiring Examples of Resilience
History is rich with people who climbed over obstacles, paving the way for others.
One compelling example is Helen Keller. Deaf and blind from childhood, Keller faced immense barriers in a world that often shunned those with disabilities. With the unwavering assistance of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller not only learned to communicate but became a prolific author and powerful advocate for people with disabilities. She wrote 12 books and delivered numerous speeches, inspiring countless individuals to persevere against the odds.
Another profound example is Nelson Mandela. Imprisoned for 27 years due to his fight against apartheid, Mandela emerged with a vision of reconciliation. His relentless pursuit of justice played a critical role in dismantling apartheid, ultimately leading to a democratic South Africa in 1994. Mandela's story showcases that even amid oppression, courage can lead to transformative societal change.
The Science of Resilience
Understanding the psychological aspects of resilience can highlight how we cultivate this vital quality in ourselves. Resilience is not just an inherent trait; it is a skill that everyone can develop through practice.
Key factors contributing to resilience include:
Emotional Awareness: Being aware of and processing emotions helps individuals manage stress effectively. For instance, journaling can allow people to express feelings and develop coping strategies.
Social Connections: Building strong relationships provides essential support during tough times. A study by the American Psychological Association found that having a solid support network can reduce stress levels by up to 50%, promoting better mental health.
Positive Perspective: An optimistic viewpoint allows individuals to envision success despite setbacks. Research shows that practicing positivity can improve overall well-being and resilience.
Goal Setting: Setting clear, practical goals creates direction and purpose, motivating people to push through difficulties. For example, breaking larger goals into smaller tasks makes them less daunting and more manageable.
By incorporating these strategies, individuals can enhance their resilience and prepare themselves for life's challenges.
Cultivating a Mindset of Defiance
To create an environment where overcoming the odds becomes possible, we must adopt a mindset of defiance against despair. Here are some strategies to nurture this resiliency:
Practice Gratitude: Acknowledging even minor positives can shift focus from challenges to opportunities. Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress and depression.
Embrace Adversity: Viewing challenges as chances for growth encourages individuals to approach difficulties with courage. For instance, embracing failure as part of the journey can lead to innovative solutions and personal growth.
Seek Inspiration: Surrounding oneself with stories and people who have overcome adversity fuels motivation. Whether through reading books or connecting with mentors, learning from others can ignite hope.
Continuous Learning: Committing to personal and professional growth enhances a sense of agency, equipping individuals to tackle unexpected challenges. Online platforms like Coursera have seen millions of users enroll in courses to develop valuable skills, demonstrating the desire for self-improvement.
These practices can foster a resilient mindset, preparing individuals to confront obstacles and defy the odds that may seem insurmountable.
Agbara was born in Lagos. He attended the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi 1994 up until
1999 achieving his Higher National Diploma in Painting and General Art.
After graduating, he serves his native Nigeria in 2000/2001. Since then has been fulfilling
his destiny as a full-time artist. He has to his credit many group shows, Artist Talks,
private commissions and solo Titus exhibition in London, Africa and abroad and has
participated in art residency with Professor Ablade Glover and with Kofi Setordji under
the sponsorship of Ford Foundation. Also took part in ‘’imagine art after’’ a world art
project in the UK. SkyArt Portrait Artist of the Year 2014 and 2020, SkyArt Landscape
Artist of the Year 2015 and 2016.
Titus has particular interest in painting landscapes and sceneries. His painting technique
is elaborate and distinguishable. There is honesty and sincerity expressed in his pieces.
He paints with a palette knife, mostly in oil but also watercolour and pastel.
Titus view life as one great adventure, travelling is his passion, and he loves to create
works to share with the world which he believes in some way will influence the society
and inspire goodness in humanity.
Painter, sculptor and musician Kofi Agorsor completed Ankle College of Art in Accra
in 1992. He was born in the Volta region of Ghana, 1970.
In his paintings, Agorsor uses pulsating colors that become an interpretation of the
essence of lived experiences of Africans and the world at large. His subject matter
borders on the generic but rendered often in a buoyant, semi-abstract and witty
manner. His canvases may be sparsely populated; often with a solitary figure in a
sensuous pose, two lovers enjoying the presence of each other or they may be very
populated, inhabited by crowds of market women or glitterati at events. Some of the
canvases may be encumbered with splashes, drips and flows of paint that intertwine to
become forests or mazes of enchantment. His sculptures are an embodiment of
spontaneous orderliness. He is an instrumentalist, composer, song writer and founder
of Afro World Band Agorsor. Recently he has been spending a lot of time in the
recording studio.
Originally from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, Yusuf Dongo is a multidisciplinary artist with
a deep passion for his culture, the environment, and craftsmanship. He grew up and was
educated in Ogun State, earning a degree in Fine and Applied Art from Obafemi Awolowo
University in 2017.Currently based in the United Kingdom, Yusuf completed his master’s
degree in Fine Art at De Montfort University. He specializes in upcycling and repurposing,
with some of his early works utilizing scrap metal to reduce pollution and waste. He is drawn
to found objects and discarded automobile parts, transforming them into intricate
sculptural pieces that often feature animalistic or symbolic elements. Yusuf describes this
process as ‘turning scrap to luxury.
He’s an alumnus of STEAMhouse, affiliated with Birmingham City University, and has been
active in facilitation since joining the Eastside Projects EOP program. He is also a member of
the local collective BRMTWN, which marks his initial steps into art-making and social
practice. His work is part of an ongoing effort to build Black British culture in Birmingham,
aiming to create healthier associations and identification with the group identity by
establishing new rites of passage and commemorating Black presence in the country, both
historically and speculatively.
Chiamaka iwenofu is a mixed media visual artist from Obosi,
Idemili North, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Her artistic journey began in 2012,
driven by an insatiable passion for creative expression.
Inspired by the intricacies of hair making and fashion design,
chiamaka incorporates these elements into her mixed media art,
crafting unique narratives that reflect the world around her.
She is particularly drawn to the challenging medium of real hair, fabrics, beads, etc
which she masterfully weaves into proficient reflections of her surroundings.
Since transitioning to full-time mixed media artist in April 2023,
chiamaka continues to draw inspiration from diverse cultures and traditions.
Her art is a testament to the beauty of fusion and the power of creativity
to transcend boundaries."
Ik Nnadi is a dynamic Nigerian artist renowned for transcending traditional realism to create
evocative works that forge deep emotional connections. While his technical command of
realism is exceptional, his art exudes the expressive energy of impressionism, skillfully blending
techniques and textures to craft refined pieces that tell powerful stories.
Throughout his artistic journey, Ik has explored themes of identity, culture, and beauty using a
variety of media, including chalk pastels, oil, and acrylic paints. His distinctive style is showcased
in notable works like The Portrait of a Lady, a pastel-on-paper piece that exemplifies his
evolving artistry and has gained international acclaim. Platforms such as CNN Africa, BET, Daily
Art, NWE, and World of Artists have spotlighted his work, reaching millions worldwide.
Damola Adepoju (FSNA, MSNA) is a renowned Lagos-based
artist, curator, and Welfare Officer for the Society of Nigerian
Artists. He holds a degree from Lagos State Polytechnic and
has been honored with a fellowship and distinguished master
award from the Society of Nigerian Artists, as well as
international recognition from the United States Congress and
Senate. Damola's artistic technique is distinctive, combining
newspaper collages, gold brushwork, and stylized female
forms to create vibrant, layered pieces that explore the
dynamic energy of Lagos street scenes and the complexities
of gender politics. His work often incorporates iconic
headings and tonal surfaces, eliciting a sense of tension and
drama. With a career spanning numerous exhibitions,
awards, and publications, Damola has established himself as
a leading figure in the Nigerian art scene. He has curated
exhibitions, participated in over 100 group shows, and held
two solo exhibitions, with his work featured in auctions and
commissions locally and internationally. His art has been
featured in prominent publications, including the Los Angeles
Times and Reality Celebrity Magazine, and he has been
listed among the "101 Nigeria Artists" in a special publication.
As a full-time studio artist and dedicated advocate for the
arts, Damola continues to push boundaries and inspire with
his innovative style and dedication to his craft."
Nzennaya Barry Ikechukwu (b. 83) . is an experienced artist based in Nigeria whose paintings have been exhibited Locally and internationally.
Ikechukwu Believes that art is a tool for healing, he also feels that it is a vital instrument through which to document and express thoughts, current affairs, and future events. Ikechukwu's diverse works are most often created with acrylics on canvas.
Ikechuckwu is mentored by a great renowned horse painter Abdulsalam abdulkareem, but has been greatly influenced by some great artist in the likes of Vincent Van gogh, Pablo Picasso , Georges Braque and many others .
Ikechuckwu is full time studio artist who currently work and based in Lagos Nigeria.
Abiola Oladotun Yusuf was born in Oyo state, 26th of August 1988. His parents moved to Lagos
where he graduated from University of Lagos, Nigeria with a Bachelors degree in (Creative Art
painting 2012).
Abiola is a visual artist and an illustrator. He is influenced and drawn to the expressionism age.
He enjoys working with different media.
Abiola Oladotun is best known for his exemplary abstract and figure expressions, a technique
influenced by art historical movements such as Neo-expressionism and Action Painting. It
developed in response to the conceptual and minimal art movements of the 1970s. By adopting
the style, he depicts recognizable objects, such as the human body (albeit abstractly at times),
in a rough and dramatically emotional manner, frequently using startling colors. His paintings
cover a wide range of subjects, from empathetic emotions to social satires infused with fantasy
or absurdity.
He uses a combination of acrylic medium, oil and charcoal on canvas to express free, continuous
lines and unrestrained layers of color. Abiola's image compositions are comprised of erratic
outlines punctuated by clusters of varying colors. He frequently juxtaposes those vibrant
clusters of shapes and lines with subdued backgrounds. He uses a continuous flow of charcoal
to define shapes and add depth to a large portion of his paintings. His paintings make extensive
use of additive primary colors, forcing them to elicit a visual response. Abiola's works have
garnered varying degrees of acclaim throughout his career. They have been included in
exhibitions and shows such as Tales of a Thousand Miniatures (2019) and ArtX Lagos (2017), and
he has also participated in Nigerian artist residencies. His assertion is borne out by his body of
work, which includes "The Rebirth of Antiques," "Deception (mask series)," "Dancers," and
"erotica form." Abiola asserts that in a world rife with both beauty and chaos, he aspires to be a
part of the former, lost in time and space, free to create and express his world of boundless
beauty.
Comments