The Iconic Abuja Multimedia Exhibition, held at Thought Pyramid Art Centre in Wuse, unfolded over a vibrant week, celebrating the city’s identity through contemporary art. Organized by Eyes of a Lagos Boy with support from the German Embassy in Abuja.
The Iconic Abuja exhibition, curated by Sandra Alonge, brings together fifteen artists working across photography, painting, and mixed media. It offers a layered and engaging portrait of Abuja—its structure, its contrasts, and its evolving cultural energy.
View the catalogue here. Some of the works are still available for sale.
At the heart of the exhibition were the participating artists, eight photographers, seven painters: Bolaji Alonge, John Ali, Ahmad Michael, Aisha Mbaya, Mustapha Musa, Yemi Olapo, Dan Ogbogu, Oluwapelumi Olaosun, Babajide O. Olusanya, Seun Otokiti, Austin Orakwelu, Katharina Sasse, Olanrewaju Shittu, Moses Sodipo, and Christabel Uchechi. Each brought a distinct perspective, collectively shaping a rich and dynamic visual conversation around the capital city.
A notable dimension of the exhibition was the contribution of German documentary photographer Katharina Sasse, whose work introduced an external, observational lens. Her perspective added a reflective counterpoint to the local narratives—offering a view of Abuja as both lived reality and subject of discovery, and deepening the dialogue between internal experience and external perception.
Reflecting on the project, Alonge noted: “ICONIC ABUJA is about how we see our city and how we choose to present it to the world. It is a visual conversation that brings together different perspectives to tell a more complete story of Abuja—its structure, its people, and its evolving identity.”
Opening Event
The exhibition opened to an engaged and diverse audience, drawing guests from across the art, cultural, and diplomatic communities. The atmosphere was lively yet reflective, as visitors moved through the space, encountering works that captured both the monumental and intimate sides of Abuja. Conversations flowed easily—between artists and guests, between strangers, and between the works themselves—setting the tone for a week defined by connection and curiosity.
Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Dorothea Wenzel of the German Embassy Abuja remarked: “Supporting initiatives like ICONIC ABUJA highlights the importance of cultural exchange and creative dialogue. Projects like this create meaningful connections and offer new ways of seeing and understanding the city.”
Exhibition Experience
Throughout the week, the exhibition space remained active and welcoming. Visitors returned, lingered, and interacted deeply with the works on display. Some paused quietly in reflection, while others engaged in animated discussions, sharing interpretations and personal connections to the city. The exhibition became more than a viewing space—it evolved into a meeting point for ideas, perspectives, and shared experiences.
Visual Storytelling Masterclass
A highlight of the program was the Art Masterclass, featuring speakers Obi Nwaegbe and Kike Oyewale, who provided participants with practical insights into visual storytelling and artistic practice and the use of Ai in creative art.
Through open dialogue and shared experiences, attendees gained a deeper appreciation for the creative process behind the works. The session fostered learning, exchange, and inspiration, particularly for emerging artists and enthusiasts eager to refine their craft.
Kids Play (Children’s Workshop)
One of the most memorable moments of the week came through Kids Play, a lively and heartwarming workshop designed for young creatives. Led by participating artist Moses Sodipo, the session transformed the exhibition space into a hub of color and imagination as children picked up brushes—many for the first time—and freely expressed themselves. The energy was infectious, reminding everyone present of the joy, honesty, and boundless creativity that art can inspire.
The Iconic Abuja Multimedia Exhibition successfully brought together exhibition, education, and community engagement in a meaningful and accessible way. Through its carefully curated program—including the opening event, Art Masterclass, and Kids Play—the project created space not just for viewing art, but for experiencing it.
More than an exhibition, it became a living conversation about Abuja—its past, present, and possibilities—driven by artists and shared with a growing audience. In doing so, it contributed to the city’s cultural momentum and reinforced the role of art as a powerful tool for connection, reflection, and storytelling.
Reflecting on the curatorial vision, Sandra noted: “This exhibition was about creating a space where multiple perspectives could exist side by side—where Abuja could be seen, questioned, and reimagined. The dialogue between artists, and between the works and the audience, became just as important as the works themselves.”
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