A Solo Exhibition titled “1897” held at the MUHCAB – THE MUSEUM OF AFRO BRAZILIAN HISTORY AND CULTURE, RIO DE JANEIRO. Osas exhibits “1897, a contemporary urban representation of Benin’s historical art”. In attendance were Ministers from both Brazil and Nigeria.
In the Show, Osa Seven addresses the year 1897, when several works of art were looted from the Kingdom of Benin, now Benin, Edo State in Nigeria, and taken to Europe. The artist reflects on History and contemporary issues relating to African Art in the world.
Osa Seven creates representations and counter-representations of several Benin artifacts, whose current perception is largely based on Western accounts. The artist collects shows of the oral tradition, taking into account the stories and folklore of his homeland. Reflecting on mythological stories, the artist creates a cosmological hierarchy of the Benin realm.
“Painting this mural was a deeply personal act of honoring where I come from and sharing it with the world. As we close the 1897 exhibition in Rio, I’m reminded of why I do what I do: to tell our stories, preserve our history, and connect through the universal language of art.
Oba gha topere, ise! – “May the king’s reign bring blessings to the work of our hands.” This phrase carries the weight of my ancestors’ prayers and dreams. It’s a call to action, a reminder to continue creating, building, and sharing with purpose. Painting those words here in Brazil felt like anchoring a part of my heritage in new soil – a gift from one culture to another.” – Osa Seven stated
