In Huntington, New York City, a captivating and meaningful exhibition is currently underway, organized by Nike Art Gallery USA in collaboration with Shayee Arts. Featuring renowned Nigerian artist Nike Okundaye and other talented artists, the exhibition titled “Mother Dearest – An Ode to Motherhood” pays homage to the profound role of mothers in our lives.

Words by Ireho Aito

New York City, famously known as the “city that never sleeps,” vibrating exceptionally with energy, diversity, and creativity. It serves as an inclusive melting pot where cultures from around the world converge, intertwining to create a dynamic work of art, music, and expression. Nigerian arts have found a home in this one – of – a – kind metropolis, with a rich history of influence dating back through time. From the early days of Nigerian immigrants bringing their traditions and artistic heritage to the streets of Harlem to contemporary galleries showcasing the works of talented Nigerian artists, New York has been a nurturing environment for the flourishing of Nigerian arts. Today, the city’s galleries, museums, and cultural institutions continue to embrace and celebrate the diversity of Nigerian artistic expression, contributing to the city’s cultural landscape. And ongoing in Huntington, New York is ‘Mother Dearest – An Ode to Motherhood’

With Mother’s Day as its backdrop, this exhibition couldn’t be more timely or poignant. It serves as a tribute to the resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering love of mothers everywhere, particularly in the African context where the journey of motherhood can be especially challenging.

The theme of “Mother Dearest” resonates deeply as it sheds light on the multifaceted nature of motherhood. From the joys of childbirth to the daily struggles of nurturing and providing for their families, African mothers navigate a path filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Through their art, Nike Okundaye and her fellow artists offer a glimpse into the beauty, strength, and tenderness inherent in the maternal experience.

More than just an artistic showcase, this exhibition also serves a noble cause – promoting safe motherhood. In many parts of Africa, access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth remains a significant challenge. By raising awareness through their art, the participating artists hope to spark conversations and initiatives aimed at improving maternal health outcomes for women across the continent.

As visitors wander through the gallery, they are greeted by a rich attraction of colors, emotions, and narratives, each painting and sculpture a testament to the enduring bond between mother and child. From clinically processed portraits of some of Nigeria’s finest artists and dependable export such as, painter, quilt instructor and multimedia artist Samuel Uzoma Anyanwu and highly talented Akeem Adeleke are part of the illustrious delegation to the United States, capturing the essence of motherhood to poignant scenes depicting the daily rituals of nurturing and caregiving, every artwork invites reflection and appreciation for the mothers who shape our lives in countless ways.

For Samuel Uzoma Anyanwu, America is gradually becoming his second home, as he is in high demand in the artlife in America. An odyssey that has become part of his career manual. Samuel is young, ambitious and intelligent. Some of his followers on social media can attest to it. He has global feel. Don’t forget that he is also a photographer. He covers his ground and read his frame incredibly. One of the reasons the demand for his exceptional creations are high in the United States. He is just so excemplary.

In a world that often overlooks the tireless contributions of mothers, “Mother Dearest – An Ode to Motherhood” serves as a constant reminder of their immeasurable value and significance. It is a celebration of strength, love, and resilience – qualities embodied by mothers around the globe

As we explore the artworks on display, let us not only admire the talent and creativity of the artists but also take a moment to honor the mothers in our own lives. For it is through their boundless love and selflessness that we find solace, inspiration, and the true meaning of family.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/Pictures/Samuel Uzoma Anyanwu

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All pictures courtesy of Samuel Uzoma Anyanwu