Nigerian contemporary artist Yusuff Aina is exhibiting his unique and enveloping artistic skills at the Art Twenty One art space. Until 06 September 2023, he invites viewers to explore the abysses of his art through the exhibition “Eniyan: Escape Room“. A spellbinding artistic presentation that compels viewers to meander through resilience, vulnerability and the quest for personal fulfillment.
The personal and emotional introspection offered by her works stems from the artist’s awareness of her own emotional difficulties. It’s a feeling that was triggered by the confinement imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world had literally stopped spinning, faced with financial difficulties and time not knowing what to do with, Yusuff Aina seized the opportunity to engage in a moment of deep self-reflection and introspection. He embarked on a transformative inner journey, questioning the very aspirations and motivations that had built him up.
This is followed by a highly distressing period in which the artist finds himself in disarray, confronted by a whole flood of harmful feelings, deep-rooted emotions that have long been hidden from his consciousness. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, insecurity, self-doubt – all these heaped up feelings have enabled Yusuff Aina to perceive the emotional complexity that has always inhabited him, unbeknownst to him. Today, through his installations and paintings, the Nigerian artist depicts his determination to break away from the societal expectations that have long impacted on his artistic production, as well as his need to achieve authentic, liberal values.
Yusuff Aina was inspired by an animated Avengers story from the “What If” series and the “Escape Room” film series to title his exhibition “Eniyan: Escape Room”. These film series made him aware of influence, the importance of choice and the ability to overcome life’s challenges, even in closed spaces. The word “Eniyan” is derived from the Yoruba word for “people“, a term that perfectly illustrates the general theme of his artistic presentation: the exploration of humanity, a discovery of the self. Through his works, he creates a profound discussion between himself and visitors, inviting them to contemplate the complexities and thousand nuances of human existence. While seeking to better understand and accept his own emotions, Yusuff Aina pursues his own personal objectives, namely his need to ensure the well-being of others and his desire for human connection.
The exhibition “Eniyan: Escape Room” will be presented in four distinct rooms, each adorned with a specific color representing the different states of mind and emotions the Nigerian artist has encountered on his psychological journey. The escape room concept serves as an allegory for moving forward despite difficult, even dangerous situations, encapsulating Yusuff Aina’s desire to overcome external factors, self uncertainty and the complexities of the human psyche. These blue, yellow, white and red showrooms also serve as visual metaphors for visitors, offering them the chance to connect with their own emotional landscapes. The entire floor, covered with gravel painted to match the color of each room, serves as a tactile reminder of the profound link between our mental states and our physical environment.
Yusuff Aina’s “Eniyan: Escape Room” is a therapeutic exploration and a call for collective introspection. The exhibition becomes a place of personal connection, self-understanding and empathy, fostering a sense of oneness between individuals with divergent backgrounds and experiences. This artistic presentation by the contemporary artist serves as a reminder of the notion of introspection, a powerful moment of personal growth offering a wise and reflective opportunity to connect with oneself and with others.