Hastings Contemporary presents ‘The Dance of People and the Natural World’, by Nengi Omuku, her first major UK solo exhibition, on display until March 3rd, 2024.

Nengi Omuku, born in Warri, Nigeria, studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and developed a distinctive style using oil paint on gesso-prepared composite strips of Nigerian fabric sanyan. The Lagos-based artist’s work focuses on her profound relationship with the natural world.

‘The Dance of People and the Natural World’ spans five of Hastings Contemporary’s eight galleries and includes works made between 2021 and 2023, exploring Omuku’s love for nature and its sense of safety and serenity. The series, from 2021’s Lighthouse to her latest work (2023), focuses on re-immersion in nature, reflecting Omuku’s personal experiences as a gardener and florist. The exhibition also features two new works, including her largest piece to date, Eden (2022), which invokes a sense of biblical paradise and solace in nature. Other works include Welcome Home (2022), Lighthouse (2021), Still Life (2021), Repose (2022), and Swing (2022), all influenced by Monet’s garden at Giverny and Omuku’s research into Impressionism.

The exhibition aims to broaden the exposure and awareness of the vibrant contemporary Nigerian art scene.

Hastings Contemporary is a gallery that showcases world-class modern and contemporary art in a stunning coastal setting. It aims to enrich lives through exhibitions and activities, supporting creativity and thriving the town, with innovative programming, partnerships, and collaborations.

Source: Hastings Contemporary.