Ugo Ahiakwo, a dynamic artist, sculptor, and designer, has been named the Grand Prize winner of the 2024 Tilga Art Fund Award, one of the most esteemed accolades in contemporary African art. This honor recognizes Ahiakwo’s significant contributions to the art world and is expected to propel his career to new heights with unparalleled opportunities and exposure.
The Tilga Art Fund, which invited submissions from Nigerian artists and those of Nigerian descent, focused on addressing critical societal themes such as insecurity, youth unemployment, and poverty. Artists were encouraged to present works across various mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, and multidisciplinary arts.
A panel of distinguished judges, including art collectors Grace Osime and Jubril Enakale, G.A.S. Foundation Executive Director Moni Aisida, renowned Nigerian gallerist Adenrele Sonariwo, and celebrated artist Victor Ehikamenor, meticulously evaluated the submissions to determine this year’s winners.
Ahiakwo, who emerged as the top winner, will receive an all-expense-paid residency at the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation. In addition, the competition honored three runners-up—Elfreda Fakoya, Bayo Hassan Bello, and Oladele Bello—who will each benefit from cash prizes, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to support their burgeoning careers.
Ahiakwo’s artistic practice delves deeply into the exploration of everyday objects, weaving both personal and observed narratives into his work. During his upcoming residency at the G.A.S. Foundation, he plans to investigate how a new environment will influence his creative process and output. The residency will also provide him the chance to collaborate with fellow artists and draw inspiration from the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive, enriching his practice.
Born in 1998 in Lagos, Ahiakwo is a sculptor, curator, and furniture designer with a keen focus on abstract and minimalist styles. His works aim to connect with the surrounding objects and convey powerful stories. Ahiakwo has previously served as a resident curator at Soto Gallery in Lagos and held a solo exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Lagos, where he showcased his innovative curatorial skills.
His impressive resume includes participation in prominent group exhibitions such as “Factory Reset: Continued,” curated by Dennis Osadebe for Koenig Galerie x Numero Berlin, “Reverie” by The Dada Gallery, and “Afterimages” by Rele Gallery in Lagos. Earlier this year, he presented a solo exhibition titled “Sparks Fly” at Borna Soglo Gallery in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Ahiakwo’s academic background includes studies in Fashion Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
The Tilga Art Fund, established by philanthropist Wally Bakare, has been instrumental in fostering critical thinking and promoting artistic innovation among young contemporary African artists. Now in its fifth year, the Fund has celebrated the achievements of 20 finalists since its inception. The award is part of Bakare’s broader commitment to empowering youth globally, which also includes the Tilga Scholarships initiative, offering financial support to students pursuing higher education.
As Ahiakwo embarks on this new chapter of his career, the art world eagerly anticipates the work that will emerge from his residency at the G.A.S. Foundation, potentially marking a significant evolution in his already impressive body of work.
