Nigeria Content Online

A retrospective of the work of
octogenarian photographer, J.D. Okhai Ojeikere, opens on Independence
Day, October 1, at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos.

Titled ‘Sartorial Moments and the
Nearness of Yesterday’, the exhibition features “a selection of images
that interact with notions of modernity and nationalism through
fashion,” according to the CCA.

The photographer, who celebrated his
80th birthday in June, is famous for his documentation of Nigerian
hairstyles of the 60s and 70s. However, ‘Sartorial Moments’, organised
by the artistic director of the CCA, Bisi Silva, in conjunction with
Foto Ojeikere, is intended to remind the public that, like the
celebrated Malick Sidibe of Mali, Ojeikere also recorded the fashions
of the independence era through his camera lens. Photographs on display
will feature a variety of Nigerian and Western dressing styles, with
the ubiquitous hairstyles and head-ties.

The CCA says the exhibition, which will
celebrate the various periods of Nigeria’s cultural history, is being
used to mark the country’s Golden Jubilee. In addition, it will also
celebrate 60 years of “innovative photographic practice” for the master
photographer, affectionately known as ‘Pa Ojeikere’.

Ojeikere began his photographic career
in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in 1950, with a camera that he got for two
pounds sterling. He now has over 5000 photographs in his archives; and
his artistic images of hairstyles like ‘Onilegogoro’, have acquired an
iconic status. Writing recently in NEXT on Sunday, art critic, Tam
Fiofori, noted that, “To say that Okhai Ojeikere is a master
documentary photographer is an understatement. He is a true pioneer in
this genre of photography who undertook self-sponsored documentary
projects with an eye and vision on the future and permanent relevance.”

Ojeikere’s work has been exhibited
internationally, especially in countries including France, Japan,
Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium. His sons, Amaize (of Depth of Field
fame) and Iria, are also photographers.

‘Sartorial moments and the Nearness of Yesterday’ opens at the
Centre for Contemporary Art, 9, McEwen Street, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos,
tomorrow (October 1) at 5pm. The exhibition is on display until October
14.