POLITICAL CARTOONS FROM NIGERIA

GHARIOKWU LEMI

WITH COMFORT JACOBS & LORDWEALTH OLOLADE

10 November 2006 – 17 December, 2006

SOUTHFIRST gallery is proud to present POLITICAL CARTOONS FROM NIGERIA, an exhibition of work by GHARIOKWU LEMI with Comfort Jacobs and Lordwealth Ololade. The show of works on paper by or selected by Ghariokwu Lemi is on view from November 10 – December 17.

This exhibition presents for the first time as a solo show works made between 1975-2006 by Nigerian artist Ghariokwu Lemi. The cartoons, originally intended for a Nigerian audience, deal with figures such as current and past Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, corruption at all levels of government, and American foreign policy. Using humor and a colorful and accessible graphic style Lemi’s work illuminates a country’s recent past. Lemi, who is 51, has brought with him work by Comfort Jacobs, 29, and Lordwealth Ololade, 27. These two young cartoonists bring new views on Nigerian politics and women’s roles in a rapidly changing culture.

Ghariokwu Lemi is a self-taught artist whose work has included twenty-six iconic album covers for Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti. Lemi’s work focuses on political rebellion, and comical and erotic themes. His work has been exhibited in institutions including the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the Barbican Gallery, London. His work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York as part of the Judith Rothschild collection. Born in Agege, Lagos, he lives and works in Nigeria.

Ghariokwu Lemi’s direct flight from Lagos to New York was generously sponsored by North American Airlines.

SOUTHFIRST is located at 60 N6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 PM and by appointment. Subway: L train to Bedford Avenue. For more information, please contact Southfirst at 718 599 4884 or info@southfirst.org.