Bridging continents, Harmattan Workshop goes to Austria

Founder of Harmattan Workshop, Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya (left) with a Lagos-based curator, Moses Ohiomokhare. 

GRAZ, Austria-based Kunst- und Keramikstudio Selma Etareri has announced presentation of Harmattan Workshop Exhibition. Described as a vibrant showcase of contemporary Nigerian art, Harmattan Workshop will be showing from April 24 to May 31, 2025, at Mariahilferstraße 11, 8020 Graz. 

Featuring prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs, this cross-cultural exhibition brings together the works of Nigerian artists from the internationally acclaimed Harmattan Workshop, founded by legendary artist Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya. Also included are select pieces by Austrian-Nigerian ceramicist Selma Etareri, whose studio is hosting this important event.

Since 1998, the Harmattan Workshop —organized annually in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria by the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation —has drawn artists from across Africa and beyond for a two-week creative residency. Designed by architect *Demas Nwoko* , the Harmattan Workshop complex is a space of intense artistic collaboration, experimentation, and cultural exchange.

The exhibition offers visitors in Austria a rare opportunity to encounter the dynamic energy and aesthetic diversity of Nigerian visual art. Featured artists include:

 Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ato Arinze, Ojo Olaniyi, Moses Unokwah, Médjéva Ayeva, AnkelI Christopher, Imomoh E. Asemokha, Jefferson Jonahan, Oluwole Orowole, Olúbùnmi Até̩ré, Ekeoma Yvonne-Mary, Akanimoh Umoh, Mamadou Ballo, Israel Ophori, Blessy Bassy, Ibrahim Keita, Yves Midahuen, Obani Babatunde, Sholanke Bolu, and Selma Etareri.

The opening reception* will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 PM, with live music beginning at 8:00 PM* featuring Irina Karamarković (voice) and Denovaire (esraj).

This exhibition celebrates not only the power of artistic collaboration but also the enduring dialogue between African and European art* traditions. It is a testament to the creative spirit that transcends borders and speaks a universal language.