In a city increasingly gaining recognition as a hub for contemporary Nigerian art, a new exhibition is inviting audiences to pause, reflect, and connect with stories that often go unheard. Beyond The Surface, currently running at the Oluwole Omofemi Art Studio and Gallery, showcases the works of seven women artists, each exploring resilience, identity, and inner strength through deeply personal lenses.

The featured artists—Adelani Adedoyin, Abimbola Sadiq, Jane Ugah, Ejimaja Ajodo, Akindunjoye Rebecca, Ayansola Rebecca, and Naomi Oyeniyi—are all members of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria. Their paintings navigate the complexities of womanhood, drawing inspiration from memory, lived experience, and cultural heritage. Collectively, the works form a dialogue on the evolving role of women within Nigeria’s vibrant art scene.

Adding further depth, guest artists Onofeghara Emmanuel and Ajenifuja Abiodun contribute pieces that expand the conversation, emphasizing art as a shared space for empathy, reflection, and social engagement.

Curated by Abiola Adeleye, gallery manager at Oluwole Omofemi Art Studio and Gallery, the exhibition grew organically from the artists’ own narratives. “I didn’t begin with a rigid theme. I simply asked the artists to paint from who they are. As their statements and works came in, a natural thread emerged: resilience, identity, and a quiet but enduring strength,” Adeleye explained.

The resulting collection balances intimate self-expression with collective storytelling, offering viewers a window into the emotional landscapes and personal histories shaping each artist’s identity.

The exhibition also aligns with the gallery founder Oluwole Omofemi’s broader vision of nurturing emerging talent. Known internationally for his expressive portraits and mentorship initiatives, Omofemi emphasized that art should be both meaningful and accessible. “Art is not just to be seen. It is to be shared, understood, and felt,” he said.

Running from November 23 to 29, 2025, Beyond The Surface takes place at Oluwole Omofemi Art Studio and Gallery, 26 Bashorun Apampa Street, Jericho Reservation Area, Ibadan. Sponsored by Topprimo Water and Lyra World, the exhibition highlights the importance of sustained support for Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors.

In a fast-paced world where nuanced stories can be easily overlooked, Beyond The Surface encourages visitors to slow down and engage deeply with each work. Layered with color, symbolism, and emotion, the pieces offer quiet yet powerful testimonies of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of self-expression.

Ultimately, the exhibition leaves one lingering question: What truths lie beneath the surface—waiting to be discovered?