Ameh Odachi advocate for Men’s mental health

In celebration of International Men’s Day, Ameh Odachi, a contemporary visual artist hosted her exhibition titled “Men, Mask & Meaning” at the prestigious Orisun Art Gallery in Abuja. This exhibition aimed to advocate for men’s mental health, an often-overlooked topic that deserves attention and discussion. The exhibition curated by the prominent Curator, Rowland Goyit, showcased […]

In celebration of International Men’s Day, Ameh Odachi, a contemporary visual artist hosted her exhibition titled “Men, Mask & Meaning” at the prestigious Orisun Art Gallery in Abuja. This exhibition aimed to advocate for men’s mental health, an often-overlooked topic that deserves attention and discussion.

The exhibition curated by the prominent Curator, Rowland Goyit, showcased a total of 30 diverse art pieces that were meticulously crafted, comprising 15 acrylic paintings and 15 intricate beaded artworks. Each piece delved into a wide array of themes that resonate with the male experience, such as struggle, life and death, resilience, and hope. With a focus on the complex journey of manhood, the artworks explored concepts of brokenness, healing, and reconstruction, inviting viewers to engage with the depth of the male psyche.

One of the standout moments of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Ameh Odachi herself. This session provided attendees with an insightful exploration into the multifaceted nature of masculinity. The panel featured esteemed male professionals, including Imal Silver, Oluwa Bankole, Ahmed Bello, and Dr. Walter Olatunde, each contributing their unique perspectives. Together, they examined the societal pressures that influence men’s responses to mental health issues, shared approaches to facilitating healing, and discussed the role of older generations in guiding younger men towards making conscientious life choices.

The conversation also ventured into the significance of fashion as a form of self-expression for men, highlighting how style can serve as a liberating force, particularly in the context of contemporary masculinity. This engaging dialogue fostered a safe space for sensitive discussions, addressing various facets of men-centric topics that are often shrouded in stigma.

In addition to Ameh’s work, the exhibition also highlighted the talents of a supporting visual artist Zainab Ibrahim, who contributed five captivating paintings. Attendees were mesmersed by the emotional depth and technical proficiency displayed throughout the exhibition, with many expressing admiration for the way each piece provoked introspection and reflection.

Addressing journalists, Ameh shared that the inspiration behind her exhibition, is a tribute to her father and an attempt at chronicling the often-overlooked sacrifices made by men.

She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about International Men’s Day and the mental health challenges that many men face as they navigate their responsibilities.

Ameh reflected on a poignant moment with her father, where, after a silent dialogue, she left him a note encouraging him to avoid making decisions when feeling overwhelmed.

“When my father seated, elbows on his knees. hands cupping his chin. I spoke to him for over five minutes. but he did not respond. I left him a small note before walking away: ‘Dad, do not make any decision when your decision maker is broken.’ Later that day, he called me in and told me what was on his mind. That was the first time I heard the word suicide. This exhibition is personal to me. It was born from that memory, from watching a man I deeply loved wrestle with silence and despair. Over the years, I have come to understand that many men live with similar weights, hidden behind calm expressions and steady hands. I am not oblivious of their struggles. I am glad I can use art to marshal this noble cause. Men. Mask and Meaning is a reflection on masculinity. not as a fixed identity, but as a spectrum of emotions, contradictions, and silent longings. Each theme reveals a stage in the journey of being and becoming.”

The president of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Sulaiman, echoed the importance of this event, emphasising the need to recognise and appreciate men, who serve as foundational pillars in society and protectors of the world.

He praised Ameh and the Orisun Art Gallery for their timely initiative, stating, “I applaud Ameh for this impactful exhibition. The Orisun Gallery’s commitment to engaging in this vital conversation is commendable. This exhibition honors men in various high-pressure roles, from military personnel to responsible fathers, who often go unnoticed despite their significant contributions.”

Dr. Walter Olatunde, one of the panellists, encouraged older generations of men to take greater responsibility in guiding younger men on the right path. He urged the younger generation to remain politically engaged, as understanding political policies is essential for making informed decisions and advocating against harmful legislation.

“The younger generation must become more politically aware because the political landscape shapes the laws and environment that affect their success. With knowledge comes the power to challenge policies that threaten their progress,” he concluded.

Artist and architect Oluwa Bankole praised the exhibition, noting that men’s sense of style significantly contributes to their confidence.

He highlighted that the exhibition serves as a thoughtfully curated space for men to express themselves and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health issues that impact their lives.