A major celebration of Nigerian contemporary art is set to unfold this Sunday as the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos, hosts the official launch of "Threads of Time," a comprehensive coffee-table book dedicated to one of Nigeria's most revered artists, Chief Tola Wewe. The event, scheduled for August 17 at 1 pm and hosted by Ebubay, promises to be more than just a book unveiling—it's being described as a ritual of remembrance and a tribute to the artist known by many as "iwin," meaning "the spirit."
The 137-work collection has been carefully curated and authored by Chinaza Orji, a prominent curator, writer, and art entrepreneur whose expertise spans both African storytelling and international art markets. Orji, a graduate of the Sotheby's Institute of Art, brings a unique perspective to the project through her work with Ebubay, an art platform and consultancy based in Houston, Texas. She previously founded the Lagos-based Watersworth Art Gallery, establishing herself as a significant voice in African art curation.
Chief Tola Wewe's artistic journey began in 1959 when he was born in Okitipupa, Ondo State. His formal education at the University of Ife and the University of Ibadan laid the foundation for a diverse early career that included cartooning, teaching, and gallery work before he fully committed to studio practice in the early 1990s. However, Wewe's contribution to Nigerian art extends far beyond traditional painting, as he became a founding member of the groundbreaking Ona movement, which brought Yoruba philosophy, folklore, and iconography into dialogue with modern visual language.
Wewe's artistic legacy spans thousands of pieces that explore complex themes ranging from identity and femininity to politics, sexuality, and the sacred. His work occupies a unique space between the seen and the unseen, the ancestral and the contemporary, creating what many describe as a mirror of Nigerian consciousness and a map of his inner world. The vibrant, symbolic, and spiritual nature of his art has established him as a defining presence in Nigerian contemporary art over several decades.
"Threads of Time" represents more than just a catalog of artwork—it functions as a cultural archive and visual biography that traces Wewe's creative evolution through decades of political shifts, spiritual awakenings, and personal growth. Each of the 137 carefully selected works is situated within a historical timeline, creating a chronicle that invites readers to walk alongside the artist through the shifting landscape of Nigeria's cultural and political history.
Curator Chinaza Orji emphasizes the broader significance of the project, explaining that "This book is not just about Tola Wewe. It's about all of us. It's about the time we live in, what we carry forward, and what we leave behind." Despite the book's exploration of Yoruba cosmology and spiritual themes, Orji, who identifies as Christian, is careful to clarify that the project is not about promoting personal beliefs but rather about maintaining cultural integrity and telling the artist's story with respect.
In her curatorial introduction, Orji challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with time itself, writing: "These works transcend tribe and time, drawing from a collective consciousness that honors the traditions while dreaming forward. Reflect, if you will, on the passage of time—not as something that merely happens to you, but as something you are intricately a part of." This philosophical approach reflects the deeper meaning embedded in Wewe's artistic practice.
The book launch represents a significant response to structural gaps in the African art ecosystem, where important stories often remain untold and undervalued. Through this monumental effort, Ebubay aims to shift the narrative surrounding African art, providing artists with the visibility and respect they deserve on both local and international stages. The project demonstrates how art books can serve as powerful tools for cultural preservation and promotion.
Art lovers, collectors, and cultural custodians gathering at the Nike Art Gallery can expect an afternoon rich with reflection, conversation, and cultural communion. The venue choice is particularly significant, as the Nike Art Gallery has long served as an important space for showcasing and preserving African artistic heritage in Lagos, Nigeria's cultural and economic hub.
The launch event marks not only a celebration of Chief Wewe's individual legacy but also represents a broader moment for the future of African art storytelling. As the art world continues to recognize and value diverse voices and perspectives, projects like "Threads of Time" play a crucial role in ensuring that important artistic contributions are properly documented, celebrated, and preserved for future generations to study and appreciate.
