The Oceans and the Interpreters Exhibition, curated by Nobuo Takamori, aims to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Africa and Asia through art. This three-week exhibition, inspired by Nigerian playwright Wole Soyinka’s novel The Interpreters, is being held simultaneously at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos. It brings together diverse artworks, including photographs, videos, and installations, which explore African-Asian relationships from historical and artistic perspectives.

The exhibition, originally held in Taipei, Taiwan, highlights complex narratives about cross-continental connections and cultural boundaries. According to Takamori, this is the first exhibition of its kind, delving into the intricate dynamics between Africa and Asia. “People in Taiwan were deeply curious about Africa and its historical ties to Asia,” Takamori shared, underscoring the event’s significance for both regions.

Andy Yih-Ping Li, representing the Taipei Trade Office, welcomed guests, highlighting the enthusiastic response and the curiosity of young attendees. He stated that this cross-cultural interaction fosters goodwill between Nigeria and Asia, as the exhibit introduces fresh perspectives on both African and Asian cultures.

Dr. Balogun Adeola, representing the Yaba Art Museum’s curatorial team, emphasized the unique approach of contemporary art to storytelling. According to Adeola, the exhibition allows artists to present narratives deeply rooted in their environments and expressed through various artistic forms, making it a personal and resonant experience for viewers.

The exhibition is the result of collaboration between several arts and cultural institutions, including the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, Yaba Art Museum, Chew’s Culture Foundation, Hong Gah Museum, Solid Art, and Britto Arts Trust. It is supported by Taiwan’s National Culture & Arts Foundation, Tung Ho Steel Enterprise Corp., and the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria. Through the works of celebrated artists from Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, and Greece, the exhibit offers a visual exploration of the longstanding cultural connections and shared stories between the continents of Africa and Asia.