PORTRAITS OF ANIMALS
BY HFACTOR.CO

August 09, 2018

hFACTOR introduces their 2018 theme, animal welfare, through the collaborative artistry of Musa Ganiyy and Osione Itegboje, in the aptly titled “Portraits of Animals” exhibition.

Inspired by the idea of animals as conscious life who once we acknowledge as worthy of respect and regard, spur us to ask deeper questions about our understanding and appreciation of broader life. JM COETZFE in his award-winning novella, “The Lives of Animals,” takes readers on a journey of perspectives that question our comprehension of the living experience. From the supra dominant position of humans as colonizers who lord themselves over every facet of nature to the curious scientific investigation of animals as antiquated human ancestors to the reverent regard of animals as superior salient beings who transcend the worries of conscious life and blend in with the natural order of life, COETZEE challenges us to rethink our humanity, “what does it mean to be alive?”

Ganiyy and Itegboje explore this question by delving into a staple of many Nigerian households, the portrait of family members, portraits of people we love, respect, and want to celebrate. The portrait is a go-to monument whenever there’s a birthday, an anniversary, a celebration, an achievement. For portraits of animals, the artists elevate everyday animals beyond their perceived “basic forms” to the high, but, common place status of “celebrated Nigerian citizen”. The collaboration around “Portraits of Animals” intersects deeply with the hFACTOR ethos. Beyond the realization of the work by the artist, its presentation and storyline have evolved through various engagements with the creative energy of Lagos, from curator Tushar’s design and execution of asymmetric diagonal frames with sculptor Daniel, to Tiffanie Delune’s illustrations on found bathroom tiles during her 16/16 residency. And through the exhibition, the artists open up the art to guests, inviting them to tell their own animal stories through everyday objects.