2024 Tilga Art Prize Awardees
Ugo Ahiakwo — Lagos, Nigeria
1st Prize and Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Residency Winner
Ugo Ahiakwo (b. 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria) lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria. A Sculptor, Curator and Furniture Designer, who in his artistic practice, merges his knowledge of art and design with his environment and objects. With the idea that everything has a voice, Ahiakwo tries to develop his work in an abstract and reduced way to connect the objects but also his own story.
After a tenure at Soto Gallery in Lagos as a resident curator, Ugo presented a groundbreaking solo exhibition at Alliance Française de Lagos from January to March 2023 where he showcased his remarkable and innovative curatorial expertise. His artistry and craftsmanship were exemplified by the ingenuity and calmness of his fabric "Seascape" series of work.
He has since participated in several group shows, including "Factory Reset: Continued" curated by renowned artist Dennis Osadebe for Koenig Galerie x Numero Berlin, Germany; "Reverie" by The Dada Gallery; "Afterimages" by Rele Gallery, Lagos; and most recently participated in +234 Art Fair, Lagos. He recently had another solo exhibition "Sparks Fly" at Borna Soglo Gallery, Cotonou, Benin Republic (April - May 2024)
Ahiakwo studied Fashion Design at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Academy of Art University, San Francisco California, USA.
Elfreda Fakoya — London, United Kingdom
2nd Prize Winner
Elfreda Fakoya is a multidisciplinary artist exploring figurative textile art rooted in diasporic cultures and their fusions. Her work serves as a conduit for exploring the connections and contrasts within these cultures, weaving narratives around themes of family, labor, self-exploration, and migration.
A graduate of Fashion Design at Ravensbourne University, London; initially working in fashion, Fakoya found greater interest in textile storytelling. Influenced by the vibrant cultural tapestry of London and Lagos, where she grew up, Fakoya draws inspiration from aerial topographic views and her own experiences traversing these diverse landscapes. The intricate lines, shapes, and patterns in her work reflect the multifaceted identities in the diaspora evoking narratives of resilience and interconnectedness.
Her evolving body of work combines a diverse array of textiles, including leather, cotton, repurposed clothing and acrylics.Her creative process often employs print and production techniques used to create couture garments. It creates a "topographic aesthetic" that reflects the geographical and psychological complexities inherent in diasporic journeys. The works look like physical maps achieved through delicate hand-woven lines and patterns inviting viewers to contemplate the intersections of identity and place.
Fakoya's work has been exhibited in several group shows in Lagos, Nigeria;
London, UK; Los Angeles, USA and New York, USA. She is a member of the Somerset House artists in residence and a guest lecturer at Ravensbourne and Northampton University.
Bayo Hassan Bello — Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire
3rd Prize Winner
Bayo Hassan Bello is an artist, writer, and curator who examines indigenous knowledge systems and practices through artist books, curated projects, experimental films, and site-specific installations. His text-based and time-based works engage with West African indigenous practices and social imaginaries.
Bello, before moving to Côte D'Ivoire, lived in Dubai for over a decade working as a software programmer and curator. As a passionate writer, he sought to create a space for creatives and changemakers to interact in Dubai. In 2016, he launched The AJALA Project inspired by the travels of Nigerian journalist and globetrotter Olabisi Ajala to provide artists with the opportunity to explore a theme or a topic that wasn't necessarily commercial.
He is also the founder of EN PLEIN AIR. The platform encourages experimental practices and the production of temporal works (sound, video, performance or digital). It aims to initiate cross-cultural collaborations with international artists and creative communities.
His works has been selected and shown with major institutions across the Middle East, Africa and Europe; including Africa Movie Academy Awards, Art X Lagos, Borna Soglo Gallery, Fondation Fiminco, Goethe Institut, Institut Francais, Jameel Arts Center, Prince Claus Fund, Sikka Art Fair, Venice Biennale, World Art Dubai, to name a few.
Bello has participated in multiple residencies including Multidisciplinary Residency - Festival D'Aix, France (2024); Biennale College Arte - Venice Biennale, Italy (2023); Fondation Fiminco - Paris Romainville, France (2023) and Villa Ndar-St Louis - Institut Francais, Senegal (2023).
Oladele Bello — Lagos, Nigeria
4th Prize Winner
Oladele Bello, known as 'Xioth' or 'Xixthpriest,’ is a daring writer, filmmaker, video artist, theatre practitioner, media enthusiast, and creative entrepreneur. While studying Theatre and Media Arts at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (directing major), he was also creating experimental short films against all odds.
His first experiment, 'THE JOURNEY,' was selected to screen at the Zuma Film Festival, Abuja 2021, and also at the FilmOneFest, New Jersey. 'GHOST' won the JURY RECOGNITION (18-25) at the UNESCO PLURAL+ VIDEO FESTIVAL, 2022, and also received FILM AID's 'Best Migration Film 2022. Additionally, it was the second runner-up at the GLF AFRICA STORY TELLING COMPETITION, 2022.
As a video artist, the project 'ESU, which he directed and cinematographed, was exhibited during the OVER THE REAL (FOCUS AFRICA) event in Italy, 2022, alongside 6 other artists of African descent. It was also exhibited at The Project Space, Pietrasanta, with African artists from the Venice Biennale 2022. The project was programmed for exhibition at the RUSSIAN MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY, Saint Petersburg, 2023, and Brazil 2023.
Oladele Bello currently serves as an Artistic Assistant to Qudus ONIKEKU (Qdance Company) and is the Media Lead for TheQSchool.
"I have a keen interest in storytelling, art, and the conversations they can inspire, as well as philosophy, politics, education, human consciousness, and technology.
That's my motivation for creating excellent and thought-provoking works that evoke emotions. I aim to create or interpret ideas into powerful and unique visual stories that are impactful, whether on stage or screen."
2024 Tilga Art Prize Awardees
Ugo Ahiakwo — Lagos, Nigeria
1st Prize and Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Residency Winner
Ugo Ahiakwo (b. 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria) lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria. A Sculptor, Curator and Furniture Designer, who in his artistic practice, merges his knowledge of art and design with his environment and objects. With the idea that everything has a voice, Ahiakwo tries to develop his work in an abstract and reduced way to connect the objects but also his own story.
After a tenure at Soto Gallery in Lagos as a resident curator, Ugo presented a groundbreaking solo exhibition at Alliance Française de Lagos from January to March 2023 where he showcased his remarkable and innovative curatorial expertise. His artistry and craftsmanship were exemplified by the ingenuity and calmness of his fabric "Seascape" series of work.
He has since participated in several group shows, including "Factory Reset: Continued" curated by renowned artist Dennis Osadebe for Koenig Galerie x Numero Berlin, Germany; "Reverie" by The Dada Gallery; "Afterimages" by Rele Gallery, Lagos; and most recently participated in +234 Art Fair, Lagos. He recently had another solo exhibition "Sparks Fly" at Borna Soglo Gallery, Cotonou, Benin Republic (April - May 2024)
Ahiakwo studied Fashion Design at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Academy of Art University, San Francisco California, USA.
Elfreda Fakoya — London, United Kingdom
2nd Prize Winner
Elfreda Fakoya is a multidisciplinary artist exploring figurative textile art rooted in diasporic cultures and their fusions. Her work serves as a conduit for exploring the connections and contrasts within these cultures, weaving narratives around themes of family, labor, self-exploration, and migration.
A graduate of Fashion Design at Ravensbourne University, London; initially working in fashion, Fakoya found greater interest in textile storytelling. Influenced by the vibrant cultural tapestry of London and Lagos, where she grew up, Fakoya draws inspiration from aerial topographic views and her own experiences traversing these diverse landscapes. The intricate lines, shapes, and patterns in her work reflect the multifaceted identities in the diaspora evoking narratives of resilience and interconnectedness.
Her evolving body of work combines a diverse array of textiles, including leather, cotton, repurposed clothing and acrylics.Her creative process often employs print and production techniques used to create couture garments. It creates a "topographic aesthetic" that reflects the geographical and psychological complexities inherent in diasporic journeys. The works look like physical maps achieved through delicate hand-woven lines and patterns inviting viewers to contemplate the intersections of identity and place.
Fakoya's work has been exhibited in several group shows in Lagos, Nigeria;
London, UK; Los Angeles, USA and New York, USA. She is a member of the Somerset House artists in residence and a guest lecturer at Ravensbourne and Northampton University.
Bayo Hassan Bello — Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire
3rd Prize Winner
Bayo Hassan Bello is an artist, writer, and curator who examines indigenous knowledge systems and practices through artist books, curated projects, experimental films, and site-specific installations. His text-based and time-based works engage with West African indigenous practices and social imaginaries.
Bello, before moving to Côte D'Ivoire, lived in Dubai for over a decade working as a software programmer and curator. As a passionate writer, he sought to create a space for creatives and changemakers to interact in Dubai. In 2016, he launched The AJALA Project inspired by the travels of Nigerian journalist and globetrotter Olabisi Ajala to provide artists with the opportunity to explore a theme or a topic that wasn't necessarily commercial.
He is also the founder of EN PLEIN AIR. The platform encourages experimental practices and the production of temporal works (sound, video, performance or digital). It aims to initiate cross-cultural collaborations with international artists and creative communities.
His works has been selected and shown with major institutions across the Middle East, Africa and Europe; including Africa Movie Academy Awards, Art X Lagos, Borna Soglo Gallery, Fondation Fiminco, Goethe Institut, Institut Francais, Jameel Arts Center, Prince Claus Fund, Sikka Art Fair, Venice Biennale, World Art Dubai, to name a few.
Bello has participated in multiple residencies including Multidisciplinary Residency - Festival D'Aix, France (2024); Biennale College Arte - Venice Biennale, Italy (2023); Fondation Fiminco - Paris Romainville, France (2023) and Villa Ndar-St Louis - Institut Francais, Senegal (2023).
Oladele Bello — Lagos, Nigeria
4th Prize Winner
Oladele Bello, known as 'Xioth' or 'Xixthpriest,’ is a daring writer, filmmaker, video artist, theatre practitioner, media enthusiast, and creative entrepreneur. While studying Theatre and Media Arts at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (directing major), he was also creating experimental short films against all odds.
His first experiment, 'THE JOURNEY,' was selected to screen at the Zuma Film Festival, Abuja 2021, and also at the FilmOneFest, New Jersey. 'GHOST' won the JURY RECOGNITION (18-25) at the UNESCO PLURAL+ VIDEO FESTIVAL, 2022, and also received FILM AID's 'Best Migration Film 2022. Additionally, it was the second runner-up at the GLF AFRICA STORY TELLING COMPETITION, 2022.
As a video artist, the project 'ESU, which he directed and cinematographed, was exhibited during the OVER THE REAL (FOCUS AFRICA) event in Italy, 2022, alongside 6 other artists of African descent. It was also exhibited at The Project Space, Pietrasanta, with African artists from the Venice Biennale 2022. The project was programmed for exhibition at the RUSSIAN MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY, Saint Petersburg, 2023, and Brazil 2023.
Oladele Bello currently serves as an Artistic Assistant to Qudus ONIKEKU (Qdance Company) and is the Media Lead for TheQSchool.
"I have a keen interest in storytelling, art, and the conversations they can inspire, as well as philosophy, politics, education, human consciousness, and technology.
That's my motivation for creating excellent and thought-provoking works that evoke emotions. I aim to create or interpret ideas into powerful and unique visual stories that are impactful, whether on stage or screen."
Meet Our Judges
Victor Ehikhamenor
Multimedia Artist + Writer
Victor Ehikhamenor is a Nigerian multimedia artist, photographer and writer. He has been prolific in producing abstract, symbolic and politically/historically motivated works.
A 2020 National Artist in Residence at the Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada, Ehikhamenor is also a 2016 Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Fellow. He has held several solo exhibitions and his works have been included in numerous group exhibitions and biennales, including: The 57th Venice Biennale as part of the Nigerian Pavilion (2017), 5th Mediations Biennale in Poznan, Poland (2016), The 12th Dak’art Biennale in Dakar, Senegal (2016), Biennale Jogja XIII, Indonesia (2015).
As a writer he has published fiction and critical essays with academic journals, magazines and newspapers round the world including New York Times, Guernica Magazine, BBC, CNN Online, Washington Post, etc.
Ehikhamenor is the founder of Angels and Muse, a thought laboratory dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African art and literature in Lagos and Benin city, Nigeria.
Adenrele Sonariwo
Founder of Rele Gallery
Adenrele Sonariwo is the Founder of Rele Gallery, Lagos, Los Angeles, London; and the Rele Arts Foundation.
As a pioneer in the contemporary African art scene, she has conceived and executed numerous prominent exhibitions in art hubs all over the world, most notably steering the inaugural Nigerian pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017.
The gallery under her leadership exhibits contemporary artists from Africa while the foundation empowers artists via grants, mentorship, and residency opportunities.
Accolades include The Future Awards Africa Prize for Arts, Apollo's 40 under 40 list, and New African's 100 most influential Africans of 2022.
Moni Aisida
Executive Director at G.A.S.
Moni Aisida is the Executive Director at Guest Artists Foundation.
In addition to a background in Fintech and Health, Moni has over 8 years of experience in the arts industry, including at SMO Contemporary, Art X Lagos, and most recently, Affinity Gallery.
She is best known for her work with bringing to the fore, emerging art practices, and institutions.
Grace Osime
Art Collector + Patron
Grace Osime is a seasoned jewellery trader and the Owner of The Graks Collection in Lagos, Nigeria. Her journey in the art world began as a curious Art enthusiast and supporter of the local art community, evolving into a passionate contemporary African art collector.
Through her discerning keen interest, she has offered mentorship and financial support to artists on the continent.
Over the years, her dedication to the arts has led to numerous collaborations, with the most recent partnership being Afromatic 2022 in Tokyo, Japan.
Her private collection has garnered respect, featuring works by some of the most renowned African artists.
Jubril Enakele
Art Collector + Cultural Investor
Jubril Enakele is an investment banker with circa 25 years of experience in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Jubril has worked for global firms such as Deutsche Bank (London), Standard Bank (London) and Citi (London), and Quantum Zenith and Zenith Bank in Nigeria.
He is the managing director and founder of Iron Capital; an Africa-focused corporate finance and financial advisory firm with operations in Nigeria, Kenya, and United Arab Emirates.
He is the founder of The Collection; a virtual art group for African Art collectors, and a member of the Advisory Board of Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art; Nigeria's first privately owned art museum located in Lagos.
Meet Our Judges
Victor Ehikhamenor
Multimedia Artist + Writer
Victor Ehikhamenor is a Nigerian multimedia artist, photographer and writer. He has been prolific in producing abstract, symbolic and politically/historically motivated works.
A 2020 National Artist in Residence at the Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada, Ehikhamenor is also a 2016 Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Fellow. He has held several solo exhibitions and his works have been included in numerous group exhibitions and biennales, including: The 57th Venice Biennale as part of the Nigerian Pavilion (2017), 5th Mediations Biennale in Poznan, Poland (2016), The 12th Dak’art Biennale in Dakar, Senegal (2016), Biennale Jogja XIII, Indonesia (2015).
As a writer he has published fiction and critical essays with academic journals, magazines and newspapers round the world including New York Times, Guernica Magazine, BBC, CNN Online, Washington Post, etc.
Ehikhamenor is the founder of Angels and Muse, a thought laboratory dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African art and literature in Lagos and Benin city, Nigeria.
Adenrele Sonariwo
Adenrele Sonariwo is the Founder of Rele Gallery, Lagos, Los Angeles, London; and the Rele Arts Foundation.
As a pioneer in the contemporary African art scene, she has conceived and executed numerous prominent exhibitions in art hubs all over the world, most notably steering the inaugural Nigerian pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017.
The gallery under her leadership exhibits contemporary artists from Africa while the foundation empowers artists via grants, mentorship, and residency opportunities.
Accolades include The Future Awards Africa Prize for Arts, Apollo's 40 under 40 list, and New African's 100 most influential Africans of 2022.
Founder of Rele Gallery
Moni Aisida
Executive Director at G.A.S.
Moni Aisida is the Executive Director at Guest Artists Foundation.
In addition to a background in Fintech and Health, Moni has over 8 years of experience in the arts industry, including at SMO Contemporary, Art X Lagos, and most recently, Affinity Gallery.
She is best known for her work with bringing to the fore, emerging art practices, and institutions.
Grace Osime
Art Collector + Patron
Grace Osime is a seasoned jewellery trader and the Owner of The Graks Collection in Lagos, Nigeria. Her journey in the art world began as a curious Art enthusiast and supporter of the local art community, evolving into a passionate contemporary African art collector.
Through her discerning keen interest, she has offered mentorship and financial support to artists on the continent.
Over the years, her dedication to the arts has led to numerous collaborations, with the most recent partnership being Afromatic 2022 in Tokyo, Japan.
Her private collection has garnered respect, featuring works by some of the most renowned African artists.
Jubril Enakele
Art Collector + Cultural Investor
Jubril Enakele is an investment banker with circa 25 years of experience in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Jubril has worked for global firms such as Deutsche Bank (London), Standard Bank (London) and Citi (London), and Quantum Zenith and Zenith Bank in Nigeria.
He is the managing director and founder of Iron Capital; an Africa-focused corporate finance and financial advisory firm with operations in Nigeria, Kenya, and United Arab Emirates.
He is the founder of The Collection; a virtual art group for African Art collectors, and a member of the Advisory Board of Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art; Nigeria's first privately owned art museum located in Lagos.