in Frieze London | 16 JUL 24

Artist-to-Artist: Nengi Omuku Selected by Yinka Shonibare CBE

The Nigerian artist, presented at Frieze London 2024 by Pippy Houldsworth and Kasmin, explores tradition in paintings on Yoruba fabric

in Frieze London | 16 JUL 24
Join Frieze Become a member to watch this video and gain unlimited access to frieze.com

Nigeria-born Nengi Omuku, nominated by Yinka Shonibare for Artist-to-Artist 2024, is presenting three new works at Frieze London. Omuku’s paintings abound with references to the natural world, featuring groups and individuals set in spectacular landscapes. Romantic and impressionistic, they are testament to the imaginative power of reverie and empathy. By using sanyan – a handspun Yoruba fabric that has shaped the cultural history of Nigeria – in place of canvas, she grounds the otherworldly in local tradition. Suspended, the works are viewed in the round so that visitors can experience both Omuku’s painting and the artisanal quality of the cloth so integral to its meaning.

Nengi Omuku, Chasingf Shadows, 2023
Nengi Omuku, Chasing Shadows, 2023 (detail). Oil on sanyan fabric. Courtesy of Pippy Houldsworth

About Nengi Omuku

Nengi Omuku (b. 1987) lives in Lagos and London. Solo and group exhibitions include Dakar Art Biennial (2024); Dulwich Picture Gallery (2024); Compton Verney, Warwickshire (2024); Arnolfini, Bristol (2024); Hastings Contemporary (2023); and The Whitworth, Manchester (2023). Collections include Baltimore Museum of Art; The Whitworth; and ICA Miami. 

Nengi Omuku is showing with Pippy Houldsworth Gallery and Kasmin New York at Frieze London 2024. 

Further Information

Frieze London and Frieze Masters, 9 – 13 October 2024, The Regent’s Park.

Tickets to the fairs are on sale – don’t miss out, buy yours now. Alternatively, become a member to enjoy premier access, exclusive guided tours and more.

BUY NOW

To keep up to date on all the latest news from Frieze, sign up to the newsletter at frieze.com, and follow @friezeofficial on InstagramX and Frieze Official on Facebook.

VIEW MORE

Main image: Nengi Omuku, Chasing Shadows, 2023 (detail). Oil on sanyan fabric. Courtesy of Pippy Houldsworth

SHARE THIS