My CV
EDUCATION:
- Sainsbury Research Unit, University of East Anglia (UEA) / Norwich, UK, 2023 MA with Distinction, Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) / Providence, RI, USA, 2022
MA with Distinction, Global Arts and Cultures - Federal University of Technology / Niger State, Nigeria / 2003
EXPERIENCE AS A CURATOR:
Alexis Gallery / Lagos, Nigeria
Curator / Ibim Cookey: King Jaja / 18th January – 8th February, 2025
- Collaborating with the artist and museum staff in developing and designing the exhibition from conception to installation which examines key events in King Jaja’s armed resistance and in Opobo’s modern history. Managing the multimedia series of paintings, textile installations and video documentary which examines the social, political and cultural heritage of Opobo, in relation to British expansionism and the independence of African nation states in the 19th century.
OOA Gallery / Barcelona, Spain
Curator / Onyis Martin: Talking Walls / 10th August – 8th September, 2024
- Curated and organised the exhibition “Talking Walls” by Onyis Martins at OOA Gallery in Sitges, showcasing contemporary East African art. Collaborated with the artist to bring his iconic works to Spain, highlighting his unique iconographic grammar and artistic vision. Managed the logistics and promotion of the exhibition, attracting a diverse audience and fostering cultural exchange.
Lagos Biennale, Off Site (Nigeria) 2024
Curator / Uthman Wahab: Khalwa Room II / 3-10 February 2024
- Curated and managed Khalwa Room II exhibition at National Museum Lagos, showcasing Uthman Wahab’s immersive installation blending performance, paintings, and video work. Collaborated with artists and museum staff to repurpose gallery spaces, creating a unique experience for visitors. Successfully organised the exhibition as part of Off-ish, off-site projects in conjunction with Lagos Biennale 2024, attracting a diverse audience.
Out Of Africa (00A) Gallery / Art Madrid 2024 (Spain)
Curator / Evans Mbugua: Lesson in Selfhood / 6-10 March, 2024
- Curated a solo exhibition by Evans Mbugua at OOA Gallery, showcasing his mastery of painting mechanics and exploration of portraiture and colour. Coordinated Mbugua’s joint booth at Art Madrid, introducing new paintings and large-scale installations to Spain’s foremost art fair. Managed the logistics and promotion of Lessons in Selfhood at Galería de Cristal, Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain.
Rele Gallery / Lagos (Nigeria) and Los Angeles (U.S)
Director / March – August 2023
- Managed gallery exhibitions, programs, and marketing strategies to increase sales and maintain relationships with art professionals. Spearheaded publications for gallery artists and developed creative development for roster of artists. Maintained exemplary knowledge of current, historical, and upcoming exhibitions at Rele Gallery.
Kokopelli Gallery/ Lagos, Nigeria
Curator, All Guts group exhibition / October 16 — November 6th, 2022
- Curated All Guts group exhibition at Kokopelli Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria. Conducted in-person studio visits, wrote artist bios, and devised display layout for over thirty works. Organised photography, video interviews, and pricing of artworks, leading to successful promotion and sales.
RISD Museum/ Rhode Island, USA
Graduate Assistant to Dominic Molon, the Richard Brown Baker Curator of Contemporary Art, 2021
- Collaborated with Dominic Molon to expand RISD Museum’s British art collection, leveraging my expertise from living in London. Facilitated acquisitions process by connecting British artists with the museum, enhancing representation of British artists. Transcribed and edited recorded meetings for future exhibitions, ensuring accurate and engaging exhibition materials.
Brown Arts Institute / Rhode Island, USA
Curator / Abenda Sohn: Dream Country / 1 – 13th December, 2021
- Mentored and advised an emerging Liberian American artist, guiding them through the exhibition process. • Designed research methodology, drafted interview questions, and wrote exhibition abstract and press release. Collaborated with the artist to select the final checklist and design display for the gallery space.
kó Gallery / Lagos, Nigeria
Curator / Busayo Lawal: Life in Asymmetry / June — August, 2021
- Curated Busayo Lawal’s Life in Asymmetry exhibition at kó Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria. Designed exhibition catalogue, wrote lead essay, and artist bio for the showcase. Managed transportation, stretching, framing, and installation of featured works. Conducted curatorial walkthroughs and engaged with visitors to enhance their experience
kó Gallery / Lagos, Nigeria
Curator / E.D Adegoke: The Age of Dreams /June — August, 2021
- Identified E.D Adegoke as a promising emerging painter in Nigeria. Transcribed interviews for lead essay, exhibition abstract, and catalogue. Co-designed catalogue with graphic designer and kó gallery team. Supervised photography, cataloguing, pricing, and sales strategy.
kó Gallery / Lagos, Nigeria
Curatorial Assistant / Demola Ogunajo: Area Art / 24 June — 15 July, 2021
- Contributed an essay about Ogunajo’s works, enhancing understanding and appreciation for visitors. Conducted curatorial walkthroughs, engaging with visitors and answering questions to provide a deeper insight into the artworks. Supervised the installation and de-installation of works, ensuring a seamless and visually appealing exhibition experience. Assisted with the maintenance of exhibition checklists, ensuring accurate documentation and organisation of artworks.
Retro Gallery / Abuja, Nigeria
Assistant Curator / Alimi Adewale: Changing Faces: New Frontiers in Figurative Art / February — March, 2021
- Interviewed the artist to conceptualise exhibition abstract and title. Conducted curatorial walkthroughs and engaged with visitors during opening hours.
EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER AND JOURNALIST
Artforum
Art Critic / August 2024 – Present
- Research, write, edit and file news stories and articles on visual art exhibitions within the United Kingdom for a global audience.
Contemporary &
Art Critic / June 2019 – Present
- Conduct interviews and write features and opinion pieces for a global audience. Research, write, edit and file news stories and articles on visual art exhibitions.
Apple Music
Content Writer / March 2021 – Present
- Collaborate with editors to craft engaging sleeve notes for new album and EP releases, Essential Playlists, showcasing diverse African artists. Conduct in-depth research and interviews with African musicians to capture their unique stories and perspectives. • Edit and proofread interview transcripts to deliver clear and concise content for music enthusiasts. Research, write, edit and file interviews and sleeve notes on new music releases.
SI Leeds Literary Prize
Sifter / 2024 / 2018 / 2016
- Provided objective feedback on over two dozen novel manuscripts for prize judges. • Read and analysed each manuscript to ensure quality and relevance. • Contributed to the selection of winning manuscripts based on feedback and analysis.
Sainsbury Center for Visual Arts (SCVA) / Norwich, UK
Cataloguer, Gatsby Cataloguing Project / May 2023
- Researched social, political, and cultural histories of art objects in the Sainsbury Collection. Contributed critical and biographical texts to the Sainsbury Center online catalogue. • Enhanced user experience by providing in-depth information on selected art pieces. • Developed strong research and analytical skills in art history.
Volume 1, Rhode Island School of Design
Art and Design Editor / February 2021 — December 2021
- Developed a robust context and practice for art and design writing at RISD, editing the first dedicated art publication and commissioning talented writers. • Delegated writing assignments, contributed an essay, and collaborated with the graphics and design team for successful publication. • Enhanced art and design criticism at Volume 1, RISD’s student-led magazine, in Rhode Island, United States.
Guardian Newspapers Nigeria
Culture Writer / July 2018 – July 2019
- Conducted interviews and wrote features on arts and culture in the Black Atlantic for a respected Nigerian newspaper. • Collaborated with the Nigeria-based editorial team to deliver well-researched stories for print and online publication.
Okay Africa
Culture Writer / June 2016 – Dec 2019
- Developed Okay Africa’s music coverage, focusing on afropop dominance. • Conducted interviews with promising and leading artists remotely from London. • Wrote essays, features, and opinion pieces contributing to Okay Africa’s prominence.
Media Diversified
Culture Writer / December 2013 – June 2016
- Wrote well researched and well written reviews of theatre productions, fiction, and art exhibitions. • Edited and proofread articles for a global audience. • Collaborated with a diverse team to ensure high-quality content delivery.