Soyinka as VIP speaker at Africa Alive 2024
* ‘This Is How A Fire Burns’ opens October 6 at Kokopelli Gallery
By Editor
IT is with immense pride and excitement that we announce Professor Wole Soyinka as a distinguished VIP speaker at Africa Alive! 2024, an unprecedented gathering of Harvard’s alumni, faculty, and students passionate about Africa’s future taking place at Harvard University on 11-13 October 2024.
According to the Associate Director, Center for the Study of African Societies and Economies (CSASE), Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Harvard University, Tomas Felcman, “As Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka is more than a writer; he is a living legend, a voice of conscience, and a trailblazer whose words have moved nations and inspired generations. From his groundbreaking plays and poetry to his unwavering stance on human rights and freedom of expression, his impact on the world has been nothing short of monumental.
“On 11-12 October 2024, Professor Soyinka will grace our event, offering his unparalleled insights, reflections, and stories. His presence promises to transform Africa Alive! 2024 into an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. This is not just an opportunity to listen—it is a rare privilege to witness a titan of global culture in action. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and inspired as we gather to hear one of the greatest literary minds of our time!”
Also, Kokopelli Gallery has announced ‘This Is How A Fire Burns’, a group exhibition showcasing the works of four contemporary artists: Adubi Mydaz, Adulphina Imuede, Timi Kakandar and Rachel Seidu. The exhibition will run from Sunday, October 6 to Saturday, October 25, 2024.
This Is How A Fire Burns Invites everyone to immerse themselves in an exhibition that explores the depths of human emotion, connection, and transformation. Each of the featured artists brings their own voice to the journey, offering a powerful glimpse into the complexities of life through their work. The art show will take place at Kokopelli Gallery at 17, Ademola Street, Ikoyi, Lagos from October 6 – October 19, 2024.
In this collection, the fire burns brightly—representing both creation and destruction, as it has across cultures and histories. The 12 artworks, accompanied by a series of evocative photographs, unfold narratives of personal heritage, identity, and evolution. From bold color palettes to intricate symbolism, the pieces resonate with the intensity of life’s experiences, balancing chaos with moments of calm reflection.
The exhibition’s title speaks to the unpredictable nature of change—fire as a force of both devastation and renewal. Through their craft, these artists embrace the alchemical process of burning away the old to make way for the new. Their works ask us to consider what it means to transform, and how the act of creation is often born from moments of rupture. This curation at Kokopelli Gallery is more than a show—it is a visceral experience that would ignite conversations and offer you a rare opportunity to engage with artworks that challenge, inspire, and move. These pieces are not merely to be viewed, but to be felt, as they capture the fire that burns within us all.
Kokopelli Gallery is a modern and contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing ingenious artists who have mastered the art of storytelling. Established in 2021, the gallery is presenting platforms for creatives who engage in the line with intentions to foster a tradition and dialogue of storytelling. A multi-roomed setting with a space dedicated for meditation. The Grotto is an immersive space that interprets literally a roomful of stories. The gallery has proven to be an experimental space with an extemporaneous approach to the evolution of the Art space where raconteurs and aesthetes converge for related engagements.
For more information, contact www.kokopelliafrica.com/www.instagram.com/thekokopelligallery
