On Saturday, 11th October, 2025, the second edition of “Undiscovered”, an art exhibition dedicated to celebrating creativity, culture, and the new wave of emerging Nigerian visual artists, opened at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Benin City.
According to the TPAC Program Coordinator, Farida Suleiman, this year’s edition brought together a diverse group of talented visual artists whose works explore themes of identity, heritage, innovation, and the evolving narratives of Nigerian society.
“Through a mix of painting, sculpture, mixed media, and installation art, Undiscovered Benin II aims to spotlight voices that are shaping the future of contemporary Nigerian art.
“As Program Coordinator, I’m proud to see how this exhibition provides a platform for young and emerging artists to express their perspectives while celebrating the richness of our culture,” said Farida Suleiman, “We believe that nurturing local talent not only preserves our cultural identity but also drives creative growth across the country.”
Amongst the 18 emerging Nigerian visual artists showcased through the exhibition were Dumbor Debeeh, Fortune Ossai, Hafizat Temilola, Famous Umobuarie, Ogunleke Festus, Chibuike Mewu, Chukwudi Okoro, Ugonna Umeike, Jane Ugah Olamilekan Akinsola, and Samson Adetunji. Others include Oka Newton Etinosa, Emmanuel Ugwu, Olayinka Temilade, Mayowa Adekile, Chiagozie Okoye, Mark C. Duke, and Afolabi Olaoluwa.
The exhibition was attended by art lovers, collectors, and other art and culture stakeholders in Edo State, including children who came to experience the beauty, diversity, and storytelling power of Nigerian art in a space designed to inspire dialogue and connection.
Addressing the audience during the opening of the event, Mr. Adetiloye Oluwatosin Jekami, Curator of the “Undiscovered Series 2025”, lectured on “The Power of Discovery: Reaffirming the Future of Nigerian Art.”
He explained that “The Undiscovered Series by Thought Pyramid Art Centre was conceived as a platform to shine light on the vast well of visual art talent across Nigeria, and it has since grown into one of Thought Pyramid Art Centre’s most intentional projects. From Thought Pyramid Art Centre Lagos to Abuja and now Benin, The Undiscovered Series has not only introduced the public to emerging artists but has also led the gallery itself into remarkable discoveries: artists working in non-traditional mediums, new approaches to storytelling, and fresh perspectives that continue to deepen our collectors’ understanding and experience of visual art.
“For 2025, the mission of The Undiscovered Series remains clear: to provide a platform for hardworking artists who deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Some names are being unveiled to the world for the very first time, while others who have begun to gain ground are being reintroduced on an even larger stage.”
Mr. Jekami noted that at the core of The Undiscovered Series was a reminder to Nigerian artists that connections alone do not define opportunity. “What opens the doors of galleries and wins the trust of collectors is the power of authenticity, the uniqueness of vision, and the compelling nature of their work. By championing this truth, we hope to reaffirm that the art ecosystem thrives not only on established voices but on the courage of new ones daring to speak.
“The Undiscovered Series 2025 is, therefore, a statement of belief in the boundless potential of Nigerian creativity, and an investment in the artists shaping the cultural legacy of today and tomorrow
