Metamorphosis
Abigail Nnaji
Oct. 18 - Nov. 24
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Closed: Oct. 25, Nov. 11
Location
Edmonds College Art Gallery, Lynnwood Hall, Third Floor, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood, WA
Reception
2:30-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18
Artist Biography | abigailnnaji.com
Abigail Nnaji is a Nigerian interdisciplinary artist who explores various mediums to find connections and tell stories.
After earning a BA in Fine and Applied Arts from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, majoring in painting, she began exploring three-dimensional forms at a graduate level. Through sculptures, installations, painting, and printmaking as her medium, Abigail delves into themes related to human existence and connections.
Her work primarily focuses on immigration, community, and female gender issues. With a strong interest in community life and development, Abigail emphasizes public art to foster social engagement within her community. She is passionate about promoting mental health, supporting women artists, and advocating for girl-child education through storytelling.
Abigail’s works are featured in both private and public collections, including the well- respected Yemisi Shyllon-Museum of Art in Lagos, Nigeria, and the Embassy of Spain Residence in Abuja. She has participated in many group exhibitions, including some solo exhibitions. Abigail is the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN).
Exhibition Description
“Metamorphosis” is an exhibition that explores the diverse experiences of immigrants through sculptures and installations using repurposed materials, such as used coffee bags and paper. The exhibition delves into the transformative journeys of both people and objects. Drawing inspiration from the real and metaphorical journeys of “reimagined” exported materials, this show highlights the challenges, resilience, and rich contributions of immigrants who make similar journeys to new communities.
The used coffee bags, once pristine vessels of exportation, now bear marks of their travels with crumples and folds. Just like these materials, immigrants undergo a multilayered transformation, navigating cultural shifts, language barriers, financial obstacles, and discrimination. Similarly, when paper is crumpled or folded, its malleability allows it to bounce back while retaining its creases that mirror the pressures endured, like immigrants. The crumpled forms resemble rock-like structures, symbolizing challenging times while depicting strength and resilience that resonates with immigrants.
By dyeing the coffee bags, painting the paper, and applying colorful local designs, I illustrate immigrants’ adaptation and integration into a new society while retaining aspects of their identity. These motifs serve as a symbolic language, bridging the past with the present and weaving individual stories into a broader narrative. Each color represents transitions and the individuality of immigrants, infusing their new homes with vibrancy and diversity.