The exhibition takes its inspiration from Professor Wole Soyinka’s 1971 book, ‘The Man Died’ — a powerful account of his prison experiences. It is a journey into the mind of a literary genius who stood unwaveringly against tyranny, using the written word as his sword
THE 6th edition of Timeless Memories, the explorative exhibition project curated annually by the frontline archivist, Oludamola Adewbowale, will feature at the 25th Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF, holding November 13-19 at the Freedom Park Lagos and virtually.
Titled, “Elastic Effects of Wole Soyinka ‘The Man who didn’t Die in the face of Tyranny, the exhibition, stated Adebowale,” is set to captivate and educate audiences as it delves into the profound prison experience of the renowned Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
The exhibition will open formally on Day 2 of the week-long LABAF, Tuesday, November 14, and will run until November 19 on the ground floor of Kongi’s Harvest Art Gallery, a building incidentally dedicated to the lifelong contribution of Soyinka to national and global affairs.
The exhibition project, which, in past six years, has been a leading feature at the annual “feast of Ideas and Life” as the LABAF is known, “promises to be a compelling tribute to the literary giant, Professor Wole Soyinka, and an opportunity for audiences to engage with the elastic effects of his indomitable spirit.
It “takes a unique approach to celebrate the life and work of the iconic writer and activist,” stated Adebowale, the publisher of Asiri Journal of culture and heritage.
“The exhibition takes its inspiration from Professor Wole Soyinka’s 1971 book, ‘The Man Died’ — a powerful account of his prison experiences. It is a journey into the mind of a literary genius who stood unwaveringly against tyranny, using the written word as his sword.
“This rare glimpse into his life is part of the grand Wole Soyinka at 89 Birthday celebration and serves as a precursor to the 90th celebration of this eminent figure next year,” stated Adebowale, who is also featuring a second project, 1851 Agidingbi, and immersive exhibition at the same festival.
He continues: “Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to a fascinating and immersive experience. The centerpiece of the event will be a meticulously crafted Prison Cell installation, transporting attendees into the very heart of Professor Soyinka’s incarceration. This installation will provide a powerful visual representation of the challenges he faced and the resilience he exhibited during those tumultuous times.”
A highlight of the exhibition will be an exclusive interview with Professor Wole Soyinka himself, in which he reflects on his prison experience. This rare interview offers a profound insight into his thoughts, feelings, and motivations during that period, making it an invaluable addition to the event.
Adebowale hinted further: “Supporting this exceptional edition of the Timeless Memories Project is HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, the 15th Oniru of Iruland. His reverence for Professor Wole Soyinka is evident as he describes the Nobel laureate as “a respected icon and an embodiment of our rich Yoruba culture and heritage, as well as a beacon of our history as a country.”
Oba Oniru, disclosed Adebowale, “acknowledges Professor Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even in the face of powerful adversaries, as well as his mastery of the English language and wealth of knowledge. Oba Abdulwasiu extends his wishes for good health, long life, and more grace for Professor Soyinka, expressing his anticipation of the exhibition’s ability to retell the crucial moments of his life for generations to come.”
About Timeless Memories Exhibition:
THE Timeless Memories exhibition is an annual event that celebrates the life and works of renowned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. Each edition of the exhibition offers a unique perspective on his extraordinary journey, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage with his literary genius and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. The Project is the brainchild of historian, archivist, and curator Oludamola Adebowale.
