Niger-Delta / Future-Cosmos
Niger-Delta / Future-Cosmos by Wilfred Ukpong: is at Autograph, London until June 1st 2024. Using Afrofuturism and mysticism the artist reflects on the environmental degradation and exploitation in the Niger Delta. Visit: https://autograph.org.uk/exhibitions/wilfred-ukpong-niger-delta-future-cosmos
Exploring elements of Afrofuturism and spiritualism, artist Wilfred Ukpong crafts evocative and lyrical meditations on the challenges posed by environmental decline and exploitation in a particular geographic area. Referencing historical and personal records, ecological politics, and native environmentalism, Ukpong’s creations illustrate the potential of art as a vehicle for societal empowerment and resistance against persistent colonial practices.
In the past, the region under discussion was a significant supplier of palm oil to British colonial powers. Presently, it is known for its substantial oil reservoirs and diverse ecosystem, encompassing rivers, mangroves, forests, and estuaries. Recent times have witnessed a surge in advocacy for environmental and social justice in this region, contesting the pollution resulting from significant oil spills and flaring perpetrated by industry giants.
The artworks showcased in the exhibit all center around Ukpong’s place of origin, the Niger Delta. Motivated by a deep-seated commitment to instigate change, the artist collaborated with over two hundred young individuals from marginalized communities involved in oil production. Together, they tackled the historical and environmental challenges faced by their region. The resultant photographs and films eloquently reference local customs, ceremonial symbols, and motifs, weaving them into a nuanced portrayal of a potential future.
Through a futuristic perspective, Ukpong emphasizes the imperative of comprehending the adverse effects of excessive resource extraction on both society and the environment.
“Delving into community histories, ecological politics, indigenous environmentalism, extractive capitalism, and cultural transformation, these reflections on my homeland showcase how the artistic and cinematic processes can serve to empower youth, contest colonial narratives, and disrupt prevailing systems of knowledge dissemination.”
— Wilfred Ukpong
