I KNOW THE SHADOWS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE
A solo presentation of paintings, installation and live performance at Frieze London, The Regent’s Park, London
The Performance, 2026 · Oil and acrylic on canvas · 210 × 300 cm
The Performance, 2026 · Oil and acrylic on canvas · 210 × 300 cm
On 14 October, I will open my solo presentation at Frieze London, I Know the Shadows Will Always Be There.
I think about the journey from studying civil engineering in Lagos to finding my voice through charcoal, moving to London, and allowing my practice to evolve into paintings, sculptures, installations and performance. There has been so much learning along the way. So many hours of work that nobody sees. And so many people who have made it possible to keep going. I feel excited, grateful, and proud of the work we are doing.
In the studio, working on The Performance.
This new body of work began with a feeling of home. Last year, while visiting Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, I stood before Ben Enwonwu’s The Dancer. It made me want to look more closely at my own culture, and at what I carry with me as a Nigerian and an Igbo man living in London.
What happens to our identity when we move? What remains with us?
I believe everywhere I go, I carry the energy of my culture and my ancestors, whether or not anyone else in the room can see it.
Agbogho Mmuo and Her Journey to Victoria, 2026 · Mixed media · 100 × 70 cm
In these paintings, the masquerade enters the everyday spaces of Western life: a train, a street, a dinner table. Places I move through myself.
At Frieze, the work will extend beyond the paintings. Akwete fabric, handwoven by Igbo women, will transform the space into an immersive installation, while live performance brings the masquerade into the room.
I think about the women weaving the fabric, the knowledge passed between generations, and the people working with me to bring this presentation to life. I hope you experience it when you enter.
Untitled (Mmanwu), 2026 · Mixed media · 100 × 70 cm
Receiving the Young Generation Art Award earlier this year opened the door to this presentation.
My heartfelt thanks go to Degussa Gold and Monopol Magazine, to Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, to my team, Ifebuchi Madu (Afrikstabel), Ifeanyi Nwune, and other collaborators for helping me carry this vision through. To everyone who has collected a work, visited an exhibition, and believed in me along the way, thank you! Your support has helped me keep making, keep questioning, and keep trusting the work.
I am bringing a part of home to Frieze London. I am also celebrating the community that has helped me build a home here. I would love to share this moment with you
With love and gratitude,
Ken Nwadiogbu
JOIN ME AT FRIEZE LONDON
I Know the Shadows Will Always Be There
14–18 October 2026
Degussa Lounge · Frieze London
The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4LL
Note: The live performance will be taking place on the following dates and times:
Wednesday 14 October
Ken Nwadiogbu Studio
I KNOW THE SHADOWS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE
A solo presentation of paintings, installation and live performance at Frieze London, The Regent’s Park, London
The Performance, 2026 · Oil and acrylic on canvas · 210 × 300 cm
The Performance, 2026 · Oil and acrylic on canvas · 210 × 300 cm
On 14 October, I will open my solo presentation at Frieze London, I Know the Shadows Will Always Be There.
I think about the journey from studying civil engineering in Lagos to finding my voice through charcoal, moving to London, and allowing my practice to evolve into paintings, sculptures, installations and performance. There has been so much learning along the way. So many hours of work that nobody sees. And so many people who have made it possible to keep going. I feel excited, grateful, and proud of the work we are doing.
In the studio, working on The Performance.
This new body of work began with a feeling of home. Last year, while visiting Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, I stood before Ben Enwonwu’s The Dancer. It made me want to look more closely at my own culture, and at what I carry with me as a Nigerian and an Igbo man living in London.
What happens to our identity when we move? What remains with us?
I believe everywhere I go, I carry the energy of my culture and my ancestors, whether or not anyone else in the room can see it.
Agbogho Mmuo and Her Journey to Victoria, 2026 · Mixed media · 100 × 70 cm
In these paintings, the masquerade enters the everyday spaces of Western life: a train, a street, a dinner table. Places I move through myself.
At Frieze, the work will extend beyond the paintings. Akwete fabric, handwoven by Igbo women, will transform the space into an immersive installation, while live performance brings the masquerade into the room.
I think about the women weaving the fabric, the knowledge passed between generations, and the people working with me to bring this presentation to life. I hope you experience it when you enter.
Untitled (Mmanwu), 2026 · Mixed media · 100 × 70 cm
Receiving the Young Generation Art Award earlier this year opened the door to this presentation.
My heartfelt thanks go to Degussa Gold and Monopol Magazine, to Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, to my team, Ifebuchi Madu (Afrikstabel), Ifeanyi Nwune, and other collaborators for helping me carry this vision through. To everyone who has collected a work, visited an exhibition, and believed in me along the way, thank you! Your support has helped me keep making, keep questioning, and keep trusting the work.
I am bringing a part of home to Frieze London. I am also celebrating the community that has helped me build a home here. I would love to share this moment with you
With love and gratitude,
Ken Nwadiogbu
JOIN ME AT FRIEZE LONDON
I Know the Shadows Will Always Be There
14–18 October 2026
Degussa Lounge · Frieze London
The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4LL
Note: The live performance will be taking place on the following dates and times:
Wednesday 14 October — 2:00pm
Wednesday 14 October — 5:00pm
Saturday 17 October — 2:00pm
Saturday 17 October — 5:00pm
For more information:
Ken Nwadiogbu: https://www.kennwadiogbu.com
Young Generation Art Award:
https://degussa.com/ch-en/header_navigation/about-us/magazine/ken-nwadiogbu-gewinnt-den-young-generation-art-award-2026-778/
https://www.frieze.com/partner-content/sponsored/video/degussa-young-generation-art-award-2026
Frieze London tickets: https://www.frieze.com/fairs/frieze-london-frieze-masters/tickets
Young Generation Art Award Winner 2026 · An initiative by Degussa Goldhandel and Monopol.
Ken Nwadiogbu Studio, Hurst road, London, United Kingdom
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2:00pm
Wednesday 14 October — 5:00pm
Saturday 17 October — 2:00pm
Saturday 17 October — 5:00pm
For more information:
Ken Nwadiogbu: https://www.kennwadiogbu.com
Young Generation Art Award:
https://degussa.com/ch-en/header_navigation/about-us/magazine/ken-nwadiogbu-gewinnt-den-young-generation-art-award-2026-778/
https://www.frieze.com/partner-content/sponsored/video/degussa-young-generation-art-award-2026
Frieze London tickets: https://www.frieze.com/fairs/frieze-london-frieze-masters/tickets
Young Generation Art Award Winner 2026 · An initiative by Degussa Goldhandel and Monopol.
Ken Nwadiogbu Studio, Hurst road, London, United Kingdom
