The exhibition at the Newark Museum “Royals & Regalia: Inside the Palaces of Nigeria's Monarchs” showcases the latest body of work, Nigeria Monarchs, by Nigerian photographer George Osodi. In 2012 Osodi embarked on an extended project photographing 100 Nigerian traditional rulers amidst the many trappings of their positions. By looking at tradition through a contemporary lens, Osodi continues a conversation that has long been associated with the discussion on African arts.
Osodi brings his deeply empathetic perspective to his subject matter as a fellow Nigerian. He positions himself as an insider, thereby gaining legitimacy in front of a Nigerian audience as he sets out to “document Africa from an African perspective.” His work challenges perceptions of Africa created by the long history of colonial imagery. Compiling a contemporary archive of Nigerian monarchs seen in their environment, he hopes to foster a sense of identity in the young generation in...