About this episode
Tonia Nneji discusses her artistic journey and the themes of trauma and body autonomy in her work.
Ep.266 Born in Lagos State, Nigeria, contemporary artist Tonia Nneji comes from a long line of traditional carvers and masquerade carriers. Following the family tradition of artistry, she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Visual Arts from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 2016. Known for her use of bold colours and intricate patterns, Nneji’s work explores the relationship between trauma and the female body. Drawing from her experience in dealing with personal health issues, she confronts a culture of suppression and silence on women’s physical and mental health, body autonomy and sexual harassment in a bid to create safe spaces where conversations could be held freely. Her work also investigates the nature of commemorative fabrics and the ways they represent and transcend notions of place and belonging. This preoccupation with body forms and textile material navigates cultural and social meanings of fabric in contemporary African societies while also exploring the protective qualities of clothing. She held her debut solo exhibition You May Enter in 2020 at Rele Gallery, Lagos. Select group exhibitions include Dancing in Dark Times, (2021), Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London, Orita…
People in this episode
Host: Phyllis Hollis
Guest: Tonia Nneji
Topics covered
- contemporary art
- female body
- trauma
- body autonomy
- cultural representation
- textile art
Keywords
- contemporary artist
- Nigeria
- bold colours
- intricate patterns
- mental health
- safe spaces
- commemorative fabrics
- cultural meanings
- exhibitions
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Rele Gallery, Art Dubai residency
Books & works: You May Enter
Places: Lagos State, University of Lagos
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