Renowned visual artist Osa Seven is currently showcasing his solo exhibition, "1897: An Urban Contemporary Representation of Historic Benin Art," at the Muhcab Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The exhibition, which ran from November 14th to December 1st, 2024, strategically placed during Black Consciousness Month in Brazil and the 2024 G20 Summit; an annual meeting of the leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. By reimagining Benin's rich cultural heritage through a contemporary urban art lens, Osa Seven, in his own way, bridges the gap between past and present, offering a powerful dialogue and cultural context that challenges the boundaries of traditional art forms.

The exhibition, titled "1897," commemorates a pivotal moment in Benin history: the 1897 Benin Expedition. This event, a stark reminder of European colonialism's destructive impact, marked a pivotal moment in the decline of the once-powerful Benin Kingdom. While triggered by a diplomatic incident, the expedition was part of a broader pattern of European expansion and exploitation, this event led to the tragic looting of Benin’s cultural treasures, including its iconic bronze sculptures.

These objects held profound religious and cultural significance for the Edo people representing deities, ancestors, and royal authority. Osa Seven’s contemporary reinterpretation of these artifacts honours their historical relevance and artistic importance, offering a fresh perspective that bridges the past and present. By centering culture in this work, he invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Benin Kingdom and the enduring power of art.

“As artists, we are storytellers, this journey is about much more than art—it’s about sharing our heritage, telling our stories, and creating a deeper connection to our past and future, through our work. We have the power to shift narratives, inspire, and educate, seeing this resonate so strongly with audiences here in Brazil has been nothing short of beautiful” says Osa Seven.

While reclaiming the obvious connotation this historical period marks; colonial violence and cultural disruption, by employing a contemporary aesthetic, including bold colours, unconventional mediums, strong and intricate compositions that pay homage to his genre as a street artist, he subverts traditional representations of the Benin Kingdom.

The juxtaposition of the kingdom’s rich history with the jagged, fragmented edges of the artwork underscores the destructive impact of colonialism, while highlighting the abrupt interruption of cultural continuity within an environment that validates its contextual values. This innovative approach, merging street art with both historical and cultural depth, successfully engages with the exhibition’s theme. The strategic timing of the exhibition, leverages the cultural and religious ties between Nigeria and Brazil, further amplifing its impact.

The 1897 exhibition currently showing at the Muhcab Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture, concluding on December 4th 2024, will be the start of many more in different countries of the world; from Brazil to Japan, France to the Uk, Canada, US, Germany, UAE, and ultimately Nigeria. This exhibition is more than just an art show; it’s a celebration of the Benin Kingdom’s enduring legacy and a powerful reminder of the kingdom’s resilience and its profound impact on global culture. As we reflect on the past, we are inspired to honour its heritage, while championing and appreciating cultural legacy through art.

Source:Art Report Africa

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Osa Seven Takes Benin’s History To Rio