Studio Visit with Wanger Ayu | 'The Thread That Binds' Exhibition

Studio visit with Wanger Ayu for 'The Thread That Binds': group exhibition in celebration of International Women's Month featuring four artists from Nigeria and South Africa.

The Thread That Binds, features works by Chinwendu Kelechi, Nikiwe Dlova, Stephanie Unaeze and Wanger Ayu, in a stunningly diverse showing and understanding of materiality. This exhibition aims to recontextualize historical narratives and examine them with a lens that is current while still maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the past. It is also a way to objectively examine our cultural history to see what aspects of it have served and continue to serve us well, especially where African women are concerned, so that we do not continue to repeat and perpetuate certain damaging historical cycles.

Wanger Ayu (b. 1986) is a self-taught materials experiment artist & a fashion designer. She received her law degree at the University of Exeter, UK, and also a fashion certification from the French Fashion University (ESMOD), Dubai. Her studio practice began in 2017 after an operation left her locked up at home for weeks. Unable to walk too far or engage in very much physical activity, art became her therapy and escape, providing her freedom in her confinement. Her mediums of expression combine the exploration of hand-woven textiles, with painting, print-making, beading, transfer & collage.

She has been mentored by some of Nigeria’s old and young masters including Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya and Mr. Sam Ovraiti through the Harmattan Workshop Series, and other renowned Nigerian artists including Nduwhite Ndubuisi, and Uthman Wahab, to name a few. Some of her influences include Magdalena Abakanowicz, Collins Sekajugo, Abass Kelani, and Billie Zangewa.

She has participated in group exhibitions such as Institut Français de Côte d’Ivoire 2023, Découvertes #4, LouisSimone Guirandou Gallery, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 2022, Visage, Chilli Arts Projects, London, UK, 2022, Weaving Identity, DICA Arts at 1952 Africa, Lagos, Nigeria , 2021.
Wanger lives and practices in Lagos, Nigeria.