Art, a necessity that moves people that move the world forward —MrWaduud

A Nigerian cross-disciplinary artist, Abdulwaduud Afolabi, known as MrWaduud, on February 25, 2024, launched a solo exhibition of his latest work, ‘Military Zone, Keep Off’, at the Art Pantheon Gallery, Lagos State.

MrWaduud stands as a creative advocate within the contemporary creative community, managing an Instagram page with over 100,000 followers where he curates content to promote art and encourage its exploration among fellow creatives. Utilising his social media presence, Abdulwaduud generates thought-provoking content, fostering a mindset shift for artists and creatives. He passionately employs his platforms to inspire and support others in the art and design community.

The solo exhibition was driven by the desire to challenge the conformity of humans to comply and not question what lies beyond restricted areas. Abdulwaduud stated that humans should question everything.

Addressing the press at the exhibition, he said, “Conformity is a disease. When you conform, you disappear. Munching on this idea for four years, ‘Military Zone, Keep Off’ helped me see how deep our compliance goes. We play it safe above our need to discover.”

He explained that he wanted to use his art to show Nigerians and humans beyond our borders that art was more than an object of luxury.

He stated, “Art is a necessity that moves the people that move the world forward. Storytelling through my canvas and that of my contemporary, I intend to show the world that Art is a voice of reason. The opportunities are limitless and untapped. Ownership, discovery, pioneering and changing the dynamic of the art, design and creator eco-system. The future for me is to live a reality that shows every parent, talent, emerging artist and art enthusiast that there’s more to art than ending up as a roadside artist. Art is a need in every industry, find your space.”

He added that the collectors of his works are fortunate custodians of his contemplations about life. “That’s an evident document of how I tell the stories that matter. Stories are what move those that move the world. The value is in the life of the stories I tell.”

Commenting on the solo exhibition, Artist Manager, Gallery Owner and Art Consultant at the Pantheon Art Gallery, Nana Sonoiki, stated that the exhibitions and the works on display charged the human spirit to resist societal pressures that attempt to confine their curiosities and passion.

She said, “This exhibition delves into MrWaduud’s exploration of the military phrase and their camouflage colours as a metaphor for the barriers or restrictions imposed by external forces that inhibit individuals from exploring their curiosity or pursuing their passion. The phrase ‘MilitaryZone, Keep Off’ carries a psychological effect that invokes a sense of authority and seriousness, which leads people to perceive the area as off-limits or to be approached with caution and despite this warning, some individuals may feel intrigued or curious about what lies beyond the designated military zone, sparking a desire for exploration or discovery. This is the burden of what’s on the other side of curiosity, the possibilities unexplored, in life, and the chaos of career.

“The show takes on four paradigms: An Invitation to the Self, Stories Inside Me, Depth, and Acceptance, with the paradoxical intersection of these realms reflected in the show’s setup. As individuals, we often navigate the labyrinth of our identities, striving to reconcile the authenticity of our existence with the expectations placed on us by the world around us. Society moulds us with sets of beliefs, mannerisms, and perspectives, which in moments of introspection, we ponder on challenging the status quo and formulating our truths in the quest of seeking a foundation for the liberation of our true identities.”