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New York

CONTOURS OF BEING

DUKE CHINEDU MARK
DAVID OKOI
TOBA KAYODE SAMUEL

 

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ABOUT       EXHIBITION         CONTACT
THE EXHIBIT

Across lines, colors, & textures, three artists chart powerful journeys of identity, memory, & healing in contemporary Nigeria. This is art of resilience, memory, & the living spirit of Nigeria.

 

"Contours of Being" brings together the evocative works of Duke Chinedu Mark, David Okoi, and Toba Kayode Samuel — three rising voices reshaping the landscape of contemporary Nigerian art. Through meticulous ballpoint drawings, vibrant oil pointings, and textured mixed media compositions, the exhibition explores how identity, memory, and resilience are etched into the lived experiences of a new generation.

 

Rooted in diverse regional backgrounds but united by a profound commitment to storytelling, these artists offer deeply personal and communal narratives that honor African heritage while confronting the complexities of the present.

 

Their work meditates on the Black body, cultural legacy, mental health, and spirituality — tracing the emotional and historical contours that define individual and collective existence.

 

At once intimate and expansive, "Contours of Being" invites viewers into a dialogue on healing, reflection, and the transformative power of art in shaping identity across time and space. In the detailed cross-hatching of ink, the bold textures of acrylic, and the layered symbolism of oil, these artists reimagine what it means to see, to remember, and to belong.

CONTOURS OF BEING
THE ARTISTS

(b. 2002, Umuguma Umunwayi, Nigeria)

 

Working primarily with the ballpoint pen, Duke Chinedu Mark creates portraits that honor resilience, memory, and emotional depth. His meticulous technique transforms a humble tool into a medium of permanence, crafting powerful images of Black identity with clarity and reverence. His art bridges personal memory and collective heritage, offering viewers a profound meditation on identity, tradition, and the quiet endurance of spirit.

DUKE CHINEDU MARK

(b. 2001, Cross River State, Nigeria)

 

David Okoi's vibrant portraits pulse with emotional depth and quiet resilience. Using oil on canvas, he blends rich colors, layered textures, and expressive brushwork to explore themes of identity, mental health, and the spiritual lives of Black youth. Centering the Black figure in moments of contemplation and vulnerability, Okoi's work invites viewers into deeply personal spaces of reflection and healing. Through intricate facial expressions, symbolic motifs, and handwritten elements, he captures the unseen struggles and enduring strength that shape contemporary Nigerian life.

DAVID OKOI

(b. 1990, Oyo State, Nigeria)

 

Toba Kayode Samuel's work is a vibrant synthesis of memory, culture, and spiritual reflection. Drawing from the rich visual traditions of Nigerian folklore and contemporary conceptual art, his paintings are layered with color, texture, and symbolism. Centered on the Black human form, his art explores the interconnectedness of identity, perception, and inner life. Each piece reveals a nuanced dance between ancestral heritage and modern expression, where traditional motifs, spiritual symbols, and personal memories intersect.

TOBA KAYODE SAMUEL
Exhibit

For purchase inquiries, write isliwinski@culturallyarts.com

ARTWORKS by Duke Chinedu Mark
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The right one, not the right one

$1,500

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The Perfect Piece

$1,500

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Wishes in Ashes

$1,500

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My ancestors danced in purple

$1,500

ARTWORKS by David Okoi
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Here to stay

$1,850

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MOMENT OF REFLECTION

$1,850

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Red Scarf

$1,500

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Who we are

$1,850

ARTWORKS by Toba Kayode Samuel
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Blood sisters

$1,850

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Full Bloom

$1,850

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Father's Bond

$1,850

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Playful Friends

$1,850

THE CATALOG
IN THE PRESS
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RODNEY ASIKHIA
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Head Curator and CEO of TAAG Gallery

Rodney O. Asikhia is the Head Curator and CEO of TAAG Gallery, known for his dynamic approach to contemporary art and commitment to cultural dialogue. With a background in art history and curatorial studies, he curates impactful exhibitions that explore identity, culture, and social issues. Rodney is passionate about community engagement and has led initiatives to make art more accessible and inclusive, establishing himself as a respected voice in the art world.
 
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