The first of its kind, FREIA 2017 will bring together the biggest names in Africa’s luxury real estate, interior design and art markets. To be held annually, FREIA is designed as the biggest luxury event in Nigeria and will host key players and stakeholders in these industries to discuss key issues relating to the unique relationship between the three sectors, as well as opportunities for growth in Nigeria.
The exhibition speaks directly to the overall theme of the event, The Next Frontiers: Building Tomorrow’s Masterpieces. This inaugural edition will comprise a conference, an exhibition, the official launch of Villas and Leisure magazine and a gala night.
The lead Curator is the renowned Oliver Enwonwu, assisted by Ladun Ogidan. Other talents working on the exhibition project as administrators and communicators are Benjamin Francis, Adeolu Oluwajoba, Seolayimika Onabolu, Oyindamola Olaniyan, Stephanay Ewuzie, and Sarah Nwandu.
The exhibition will feature works in diverse media by some of the most established names in modern and contemporary Nigerian art including; Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Abiodun Olaku, Tola Wewe, Oyerinde Olotu, Ben Osaghae, Gerald Chukwuma, Ben Osawe, Oliver Enwonwu, Bunmi Babatunde, Rom Isichei, Reuben Igbine, Sam Ovraiti, Ebenezer Akinola, Peju Alatise, Olu Ajayi and Diseye Tantua. Significantly, their works continue to command staggering amounts on the domestic and international art markets to underscore the rising value of Nigerian art and its increasing attraction as an alternative asset class.
The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures and installations and aims to trace the stylistic development of modern art in Nigeria while encouraging the development of new techniques around traditional media.
The Next Frontiers: Building Tomorrow’s Masterpieces is grouped broadly around three sub themes; the body and society; the abstract and the poetics of materiality; and contemporary African politics.
The selection of artists has been based on their critical recognition, relevance within a Nigerian art-historical context, their contributions to the international contemporary art discourse, or through the sheer strength of content and visual form. They represent the most innovative and compelling period in modern and contemporary Nigerian art.
The event is aimed at establishing the relevance of art to contemporary visual culture, highlighting the value of Nigerian art as an alternative asset class, exploring the synergy between the real estate, interior design and art industries while promoting their role in shaping the Nigerian society. The highlight of the art event will be the auctioning of 3 select art pieces.