THE ART OF COLLECTING EXHIBITION
MUSEUMS (Memories + Creativity) = Social Change
In partnership with Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Trevor Blackwood of Nomad Creative Consultancy was commissioned to design and curate an exhibition that would embody the UNESCO's International Museum Day theme - Museums (Memories + Creativity) = Social Change.
The exhibition was held at the Ghaf Gallery, Abu Dhabi. It was accompanied by a comprehensive creative learning programme that engaged schools and the wider community.
ADMAF'S BRIEF
CURATE an exhibition that personifies the International Museum Day theme.
IDENTIFY international and local collectors for the exhibition.
PROVIDE a space for young people to display their collections alongside the private collectors in the main exhibition.
CURATOR'S CONCEPT
The exhibition was divided into two distinct areas. The ground floor featured Olujimi Osho's Private Collection from London. The collection embodied his journey of reconciliation and reconnection to his Yoruba Heritage.
The exhibition continued upstairs in the gallery with UAE private collections. Established collectors were exhibited alongside collectors who were in their early stages of defining and understanding their collections.
CREATIVE
THE SCENOGRAPHY
The scenography of the exhibition focused on individual collections and their transition from a private space to a public space in order to be shared with a wider audience. For the Osho Collection, the Curator chose a circular design to illustrate Osho's journey. The Benin bronzes in the collection represent Osho's eventual reconnection to his culture signifying the completion of his cycle of personal discovery. The pieces symbolically represent his rebirth, integration and acceptance into an indigenous culture.
Intricate techniques were employed to display the collector's toys and treasures to stimulate curiosity, thought and discussion, revealing unique insights into the mind of a collector.
CONSULTANCY
UNDERSTANDING A COLLECTOR
Fostered as a child, Osho found solace through the toys he explored and played with. As he moved towards adulthood, he discovered a passion for objects, striving to make sense of his world and his cultural identity. Collecting objects that he valued enabled Osho to revisit events from his childhood and begin to understand his complex journey into adulthood.
Osho has continued to validate his personal journey by finding meaning and purpose in his collection, inspiring a new generation of private collector's to interpret or reinterpret their environment or story through toys, ornaments, homemade paraphernalia of personal and cultural significance.
EXHIBITION OVERVIEW
THE VIP OPENING
WELCOMING THE UAE BRITISH AMBASSADOR AND THE MINISTER FOR MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA
The students who participated in ADMAF's Young Curator creative learning programme assisted the Creative Director during the opening. The students guided the British Ambassador and the public around the Olujimi Collection.
EXHIBITION CATALOGUE
PRODUCED BY ADMAF
The exhibition catalogue outlined the historical and cultural context for each section of the Olujimi Osho Private Collection and the Abu Dhabi collectors.
“Osho’s treasured collection represents his journey and reconnection to his identity and heritage over a protracted period of time. The narrative embedded in his collection highlight both a personal and social transition. ”
