Ibe Ananaba, ‘Against all Odds’

Every first-time visitor to Nigeria and especially Lagos is struck by the intense optimism of the people he or she finds here. On the streets, one can hear expressions like “e go better” or “God will help”, always delivered with a smile. Through his exhibition at the Goethe Institut last week, he captured Nigerians’ vivid […]

Every first-time visitor to Nigeria and especially Lagos is struck by the intense optimism of the people he or she finds here. On the streets, one can hear expressions like “e go better” or “God will help”, always delivered with a smile.

Through his exhibition at the Goethe Institut last week, he captured Nigerians’ vivid belief in faith and a beneficial personal future – for better or for worse. Optimism is the key to the Lagosians’ talents for flexibility and survival in the mega city.

At the same time, blind faith is the reason why nobody takes action and everybody waits for God to improve the situation.

The Belgium born exclusively draws with a ballpoint pen, deliberately taking a medium more associated with writing and literature then with fine arts.

Though, a painter by training, the artist is also a fashion illustrator.