We are pleased to welcome Chinyere Obieze, a Lagos-based curator and cultural producer, and co-curator of the upcoming 2026 Lagos Biennial, for a four-week residency at G.A.S. Lagos. Their practice, which spans research, literature, digital culture, and ecology, investigates the material negotiations of knowledge systems across technology, nature, culture, and economy. Through their work, she interrogates how these interconnected forces shape and inform artistic production, with a focus on fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary practices, and inclusivity in contemporary art spaces.
During their residency, Chinyere plans to investigate whether Nigeria is entering a postmodern era, mapping its markers and key players while revisiting the flows of modernism, with attention to women’s contributions and the Mbari movement. They aim to contrast these histories with the Harlem Renaissance, exploring how such cultural shifts inform the present.To support their research, Chinyere hopes to draw on resources from the G.A.S. Library and the Picton Archive, consulting texts, visual materials, and references, as well as connecting with artists, collectors and cultural practicioners whose insights can contribute meaningfully to her work.
Kedu Lagos, curated by Chinyere Obieze presented at the Old Government Printing Press in Marina, Lagos. Photo: Tilley-Gyado Bemuter Victor
What is the current focus of your creative practice?
My practice currently focuses on researching and understanding Africa's presentation and adoption of new digital and technological tools and spaces. I am preparing for an exhibition that platforms the perspectives of women in urban planning and the 5th Edition of the Lagos Biennial.
Dreaming New Worlds curated by Chinyere Obieze presented in Lagos, Nigeria. Photo: Adeoluwa Seth Adegbusi
What drew you to apply for this residency and how do you think it will inform your wider practice?
This residency is important to me because it provides the time and resources to deeply focus on crafting cohesion within my past work, while building a strong foundation for future projects. This foundation which is one rooted in deeper understanding of the histories and flows of contemporary art and culture in Nigeria, will support the development of even more nuanced and universally resonant work.
Dreaming New Worlds curated by Chinyere Obieze presented in Lagos, Nigeria. Photo: Tilley-Gyado Bemuter Victor
Can you give us an insight into how you hope to use the opportunity?
I plan to dedicate significant time to studio visits and interviews, reading, and ultimately writing about my research on post- modern art an its flows in the country. I intend to conclude the residency with a public presentation of my findings.
About Chinyere Obieze
Chinyere Obieze is a cultural producer who investigates the material negotiations of knowledge systems across technology, nature, culture, and economy. Their practice interrogates how these interconnected forces shape and inform artistic production, with a focus on fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary practices, and inclusivity in contemporary art spaces. She is currently building frameworks to understand Africa’s evolving presence in digital environments. Obieze curates Klub der Weishet KDW, an ongoing project that works to animate philosophical ideas with performance art; she has also curated Dreaming New Worlds (2023), Kedu Lagos (2024), and was a curatorial assistant for Lagos Biennial (2024) themed: Refuge. They will curate the 5th Lagos Biennial.
Photo of Chinyere Obieze. Image courtesy of Tilley-Gyado Bemuter Victor.
Chinyere's residency is generously supported by The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF)
