In collaboration with Marta L.A., Tiwani Contemporary presents Lagosian artist-designer, Nifemi Marcus-Bello, Material Affirmations: Oríkì Acts I-III.
Marcus-Bello delves into compelling themes of identity, materiality, the craft industry and production, reflecting the complex politics of use within local and global markets. The exhibition showcases a body of work that pays homage to Nigeria's rich history of craft. Having previously worked alongside the renowned bronze masters of Benin City, Marcus-Bello deeply values process and traditional, often vernacular, methods of fabrication. Material Affirmations: Oríkì Acts I-III will be the first time the entire series is on view, on the African continent, at Tiwani Contemporary Lagos.
Following Nifemi’s 2023 debut and showing with Marta Los Angeles in 2025 - ACT I and III, respectively - and a subsequent presentation of ACT II at Design Miami, Material Affirmations: Oríkì ACT I - III will now be presented in its entirety. The series has already received critical acclaim, with acquisitions by LACMA, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Brooklyn Museum, as well as a special mention for ACT II at the 2025 LOEWE Craft Prize. For the first time, all three ACTS will be exhibited together in a single space - marking a landmark joint presentation between Marta Los Angeles and Tiwani Contemporary and Nifemi’s first solo exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria.
