In a striking convergence of material, memory, and metaphor, kó Gallery presents Dry Season, a solo exhibition by acclaimed Nigerian artist and scholar Eva Obodo. Running from March 4 to April 5, 2025, the exhibition showcases Obodo’s latest charcoal and fibre artworks, reinforcing his reputation as a master of experimental materiality. Curated by Ugonna Ibekwe and supported by Le Connoisseur, Dry Season challenges audiences to engage with the realities of scarcity, endurance, and transformation—both in art and society.
Obodo’s artistic evolution has been shaped by decades of refining his signature techniques of tying, binding, and layering materials. Originally working with dry wood, he later embraced its charred remains, transforming charcoal into a central medium of his sculptural compositions. Fibre, another crucial element in his practice, has shifted from its traditional jute bag form into structured cylindrical shapes and flowing threadwork. These textural explorations are not merely aesthetic choices but deeply symbolic gestures that speak to resilience, adaptation, and the endurance of human will in times of depletion.
The title Dry Season functions as both a literal and metaphorical reference. Ecologically, it denotes the harsh period when natural resources dwindle, demanding an inventive approach to survival. Socially and politically, it parallels the struggles embedded within Nigeria’s contemporary landscape—where institutional dysfunction, economic hardship, and spiritual resilience exist in a delicate dance. Through his intricate assemblages, Obodo invites viewers into a world where material scarcity is reimagined as creative abundance, mirroring the Igbo philosophy of Igwebuike—“strength in numbers.” Small loops of charcoal and thread, otherwise discarded, find new life in expansive, cohesive narratives.
Among the standout works in the exhibition is Last Chapter (2022), a commanding piece composed of charcoal, acrylic, copper, and aluminum plate. Its tactile complexity captures the layered nuances of time, erosion, and endurance. Similarly, Damask I (2024) weaves together cloth and thread in a vertical format that recalls the fragility and fluidity of memory. Meanwhile, Closet (2023), with its interplay of charcoal, wood, and metallic elements, speaks to the hidden layers of personal and collective histories. Each piece in Dry Season carries its own voice, yet together they articulate a broader discourse on survival, identity, and socio-political negotiation.
A significant highlight of the exhibition is the Artist Talk: In Conversation with the Curator, scheduled for March 29, 2025. This dialogue between Obodo and Ibekwe offers audiences deeper insights into the conceptual and technical frameworks shaping the exhibition. Ibekwe, an esteemed art historian trained at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, brings a scholarly lens to the curation, underscoring the historical and contemporary relevance of Obodo’s work. His academic foundation and mentorship under Professor Ozioma Onuzulike further enrich his approach to contemporary African art representation.
Obodo’s contributions to the art world extend beyond the walls of kó Gallery. A professor of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, his career spans international exhibitions including the Osaka Triennale (2001), DAK’ART Biennale (2002), and notable showcases at Art Dubai, 1:54 Marrakech, and Investec Cape Town Art Fair. His participation in the Norval Foundation Sovereign African Art Prize in 2025 marks yet another milestone in a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of material and meaning.
With Dry Season, kó Gallery continues its commitment to championing contemporary African artists whose work challenges, redefines, and expands our understanding of material culture. Through Obodo’s vision, what is often perceived as an ending—the depletion of resources, the erosion of structures—becomes an act of reconfiguration and rebirth. The exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and resistance, ensuring that even in the driest of seasons, creativity finds a way to flourish.
