In the Act of Becoming

The Vanguard Gallery is pleased to present In the Act of Becoming: An Ode to Self and Story, a group exhibition featuring artworks from Ibrahim Bamidele and Azeez Salami, and archival materials from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

The inaugural exhibition marks the launch of a platform dedicated to spotlighting Black artists -particularly engaging audiences with art as a lens into the African continent’s ever-evolving socio-political landscape.

The exhibition centres one of Africa’s most influential leaders, President Olusegun Obasanjo, but looks far beyond his public persona into dimensions rarely explored. By reflecting on his extraordinary journey – from his roots in Abeokuta to his roles as a military leader, statesman, farmer and writer – the exhibition explores the layers of identity that shape an individual. It examines the profound journey to self-awareness and purpose required to lead a life in service of something greater than oneself.

Through this lens, the show invites audiences to reflect on their own paths, identities and contributions to the world around them.

Featuring a mix of artistic voices, the show is complemented by a documentary screening that offers guests a glimpse into a day in the life of Obasanjo. Together, these elements create a multigenerational and multimedia dialogue that bridges the past, present and future.