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Amazing Nigeria: An exhibition of photographs by Kelechi Amadi Obi

Past viewing_room
27 October - 6 November 2022
Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Obudu Mountain Resort IV, Giclee print on dibond, 50 x 31.6 in, 2022
Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Obudu Mountain Resort IV, Giclee print on dibond, 50 x 31.6 in, 2022
SMO Contemporary Art is proud to present Amazing Nigeria, a solo exhibition of photographs by Kelechi Amadi-Obi, highlighting a twelve month journey traveling across spectacular mountains and valleys,  discovering breathtaking waterfalls, in search of our nation’s rare, forgotten vistas. Through these photographs Amadi-Obi reveals the face of a country rarely seen from spectacular vantage points including the canyon and falls of Ahwum, the mysterious Iyake suspended lake, the magnificent Mambila mountain range, and the rocky hills of Ado Awaye. Amadi Obi’s solitary journey of discovery is the pinnacle of a rich career working as a visual artist, fine art and fashion photographer, publisher and master teacher.  At a time when the incessant drone of bad news is increasing, Amazing Nigeria reminds us of the power of art to transcend the ordinary and urgent; it is Amadi-Obi’s commitment to ignite hope, and change our perceptions. He urges us to be still and reflect on the reality of our beautiful land, draw inspiration, and renew our vision.
  • Exhibition Catalogue
  • AMAZING NIGERIA

  • Perception is Reality

    Perception is Reality

    ‘Amazing Nigeria’ is a project after my heart. It has always been. This project gives me an eloquent answer to a statement people often make that Africa has a bad image. I take it literally- Africa has bad imagery!
     
    Growing up, I had been inundated with a deluge of negative imagery representing Africa and would often find myself listening to loud complaints about the way our continent is being portrayed in Western media. According to Chimamanda Adichie, it Is a great disservice to confine the definition of a people to just one story. So the question I often ask is, what happened to our own voice? No one is stopping us from showing the other reality that also exists.

    I believe perception often becomes our reality. It is how we look at the world around us. The Internet, social media, and books have become agencies from which perception collates. We form a conclusive opinion of a place without ever visiting it because of the impression fed.

    With this project, I decided to go on a journey to discover Nigeria for myself. As I suspected, seemingly hidden were gems, unbelievable vistas, and geological wonders.

    From the pitch-dark caves of Ogbunike to the cascading waters of Agbokim; To standing above the clouds on Obudu mountain…there was no end to the beauties that abound.

    These images represent the beginning of a journey to discover the true beauty of Nigeria.

    Kelechi Amadi-Obi
  • MARINA, Lagos Skyline

    Lagos is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. With a population of over 20 million people, it accounts for over 65% of the nation’s industiral and commercial activities. It has the tallest skyline in the country. The architectural styles in Lagos are diverse and range from tropical to colonial European and ultramodern buildings or a mixture. These Skyscrapers and most highrise buildings are centered on the Lagos islands.
    MARINA, Lagos Skyline Lagos is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. With a population of over 20 million people, it...
  • IYAKE SUSPENDED LAKE Ado Awaye Hills, Oyo State Iyake Suspended Lake on Ado Awaye hill is the only recognised suspended...

    IYAKE SUSPENDED LAKE
    Ado Awaye Hills, Oyo State


    Iyake Suspended Lake on Ado Awaye hill is the only recognised suspended lake in Africa. It is one of the only two in the world after the Hanging Lake in Colorado. It has been named one of the most fascinating sites to visit as well as one of the seven wonders of Nigeria.

  • OSUN OSOGBO SACRED GROVE Osogbo, Osun State The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo,...

    OSUN OSOGBO SACRED GROVE
    Osogbo, Osun State


    The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of the primary high forests in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, the landscape of the grove is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures, and artworks in honour of Osun and other deities. It has been in existence for centuries.

    In the 1950s, the grove experienced mass desecration (hunting, fishing and falling of trees) until an Austrian artist Susanne Wegner reinstated the prohibitions of desecrating the forest and in collaboration with other local artists, began the preservation of the shrines and sculptures. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements. In 2005, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • IDANRE HILLS Idanre town, Ondo State The Idanre hills are well-known for the landscape. It resides 3000 ft (914.4meters) above...

    IDANRE HILLS
    Idanre town, Ondo State


    The Idanre hills are well-known for the landscape. It resides 3000 ft (914.4meters) above sea level and houses a unique ecosystem upon which the cultural landscape has Integrated.

  • NIGER BRIDGE Onitsha, Anambra State The River Niger Bridge in Onitsha (also known as the Onitsha Bridge), Anambra State, Nigeria...

    NIGER BRIDGE
    Onitsha, Anambra State

     

    The River Niger Bridge in Onitsha (also known as the Onitsha Bridge), Anambra State, Nigeria connects southeastern Nigeria with western Nigeria over the Niger River.

  • OGBUNIKE CAVES Ogbunike, Anambra State Ogbunike caves are located in Ogbunike, Anambra state. There are about ten tunnels at the...

    OGBUNIKE CAVES
    Ogbunike, Anambra State


    Ogbunike caves are located in Ogbunike, Anambra state. There are about ten tunnels at the main chamber which
    leads in different directions. The caves are occupied by a large colony of bats and it holds a strong spiritual significance to the local people.

  • AWHUM WATERFALL Amaugwe village of Awhum town, Enugu State The Awhum Waterfall is formed out of a massive outcrop of...

    AWHUM WATERFALL
    Amaugwe village of Awhum town, Enugu State


    The Awhum Waterfall is formed out of a massive outcrop of granite rock with water flow at the top forming a stream.
    Some part of the waterfall is usually warm through the seasons. It is currently managed by the Awhum O.L of Mount Calvary Monastery and is a site for prayers and meditation.

  • EZIMO WATERFALL Nsukka, Enugu State Ezimo waterfall popularly know as Iyi-Nzu waterfall is considered the tallest waterfall in Enugu state;...

    EZIMO WATERFALL
    Nsukka, Enugu State


    Ezimo waterfall popularly know as Iyi-Nzu waterfall is considered the tallest waterfall in Enugu state; cascading from over 200ft and runs down to a stream where the mass of water forms a dry sand beach.

  • OBUDU MOUNTAIN RESORT Obudu Plateau, Cross River State Obudu Mountain Resort also known as Obudu Cattle Ranch is one of...

    OBUDU MOUNTAIN RESORT
    Obudu Plateau, Cross River State


    Obudu Mountain Resort also known as Obudu Cattle Ranch is one of Africa’s finest and most interesting and spectacular tourist destinations. Obudu Mountain Resort is located in the highlands and deep tropical forests of Cross River State with a temperate climate at about 45 miles from the border with Cameroon.

  • AGBOKIM WATERFALLS Obokum, Cross Rivers State Agbokim waterfalls are located in Etung LGA of Cross River State. It comprises of...

    AGBOKIM WATERFALLS
    Obokum, Cross Rivers State


    Agbokim waterfalls are located in Etung LGA of Cross River State. It comprises of seven streams and is surrounded by steep hills and valleys.

  • GURARA FALLS Gurara, Niger State Gurara falls is located in the Gurara LGA, Niger state. The waterfalls are about 300...

    GURARA FALLS
    Gurara, Niger State


    Gurara falls is located in the Gurara LGA, Niger state. The waterfalls are about 300 meters wide and 30 meters in height. It has served as a site for worship by the people living in the community for centuries up until 1925 when the Europeans found it as a recreational center. It remains one of the top tourist sites in Nigeria till date.

  • RIYOM ROCKS Riyom Town, Plateau State It is one of the most unusual rock formations in Nigeria. This gigantic rock...

    RIYOM ROCKS
    Riyom Town, Plateau State


    It is one of the most unusual rock formations in Nigeria. This gigantic rock stands out as one of the most amazing and beautiful sceneries in Nigeria. It can aptly be described as a natural gallery that displays one of the largest sculptures in Africa.

  • SHERE HILLS Jos Plateau Shere Hills are a range of rock formations on the Jos Plateau. The highest peak reaches...

    SHERE HILLS
    Jos Plateau


    Shere Hills are a range of rock formations on the Jos Plateau. The highest peak reaches a height of about 6000 feet above sea level. It is officially the third highest point in the country.

  • MAMBILLA PLATEAU RIVER Taraba State The plateau is Nigeria’s northern continuation of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon. The Mambilla Plateau...

    MAMBILLA PLATEAU RIVER
    Taraba State


    The plateau is Nigeria’s northern continuation of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon. The Mambilla Plateau has an average elevation of about 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) above sea level, making it the highest plateau in Nigeria. Some of its villages are situated on hills that are at least 1,828 meters (5,997 ft) above sea level.

  • Kelechi Amadi Obi, Marina, Lagos Skyline (Daytime), 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Marina, Lagos Skyline, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Iyake Suspended Lake, Ado Awaye, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Iyake Suspended Lake Ado Awaye Hills (Daytime), 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Ado Awaye Hills, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove IV, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove III, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove II, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Idanre Hills, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Idanre Hills II, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Niger Bridge, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Ogbunike Caves, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Awhum Monastery, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Awhum Waterfall, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Ezimo Waterfall, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Obudu Mountain Resort III, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Obudu Mountain Resort IV, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Obudu Mountain Resort, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Agbokim Waterfall, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Agbokim Waterfall III, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Gurara Waterfalls, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Riyom Rocks, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Riyom Rocks III, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Shere Hills, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Riyom Rocks, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Riyom Rocks II, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Mambilla Plateau III, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Mambilla Plateau II, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Mambilla Plateau, 2022 (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    Kelechi Amadi Obi, Marina, Lagos Skyline (Daytime), 2022
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