A Solo Exhibition of New Sculptural Works by Ugo Ahiakwo
On March 12th to 14th, 2025, G.A.S. Lagos hosted Indulgence Before Consequence, a solo exhibition of new sculptural works by Ugo Ahiakwo, completed during his six-week residency at G.A.S. Foundation, Lagos. The exhibition explored the tension between impulse and restraint, revealing the lasting imprint of choice. Through an intuitive yet deliberate engagement with layered fabrics, metals, and automotive paints, Ugo reflected on the interplay of desire, cause and effect, and transformation—capturing moments where action precedes reflection. His works served as both a meditation and a record of these complexities, inviting viewers to consider the delicate balance between indulgence and consequence.
Installation image from Indulgence Before Consequence, presented from March 12th to 14th, 2025 at G.A.S. Lagos.
DAY ONE: GUIDED DISCUSSION
The first day featured a guided discussion with a diverse group of art professionals, including writers, curators, designers, artists, and fellow residents, who engaged critically with Ugo Ahiakwo’s artistic approach. The session began with a welcome address from designer and researcher Olorunfemi Adewuyi, setting the tone for the evening. Attendees then introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds and interests, fostering an environment of collective engagement.
Designer and researcher Olorunfemi Adewuyi and Ugo Ahiakwo in conversation about his artistic practice at Indulgence Before Consequence, Day One, presented on 12th March, 2025.
Ugo followed with a presentation on his artistic practice and the key themes shaping his work before leading a walkthrough of the exhibition. He offered insights into his material choices and the layered ideas embedded in each piece, bringing to life the ongoing dialogue between him and his materials—sometimes intentional, but often spontaneous.
Attendees in the courtyard, were Ugo explained the theme behind the sculptural piece Sparks Fly V (The Last Tango), 2024, Day One, presented on 12th March, 2025.
Following this, attendees were invited to ask questions and contribute to the discussion, engaging deeply with the themes of the exhibition. The conversation explored Ugo’s process, the broader implications of materiality in contemporary sculptural practice. Beyond analyzing his approach, attendees provided thoughtful feedback and suggestions for further development. These included reflections on how not every work needs a fixed meaning, interpretations of specific pieces, considerations of modernist influences, and recommendations of artists whose practices could provide inspiration. The session concluded with reflections on artistic growth—emphasizing experimentation, continuous learning, and the value of multiple perspectives.
Attendees engaging in conversation with the artist, Ugo Ahiakwo, during the guided discussion, Day One, presented on 12th March, 2025.
DAY TWO: OPENING RECEPTION AND EXHIBITION WALKTHROUGH
The second day marked the official opening of Indulgence Before Consequence, welcoming a broader audience to experience Ugo’s work firsthand. The evening began with an exhibition walkthrough led by the artist himself, where he guided guests through his sculptural works. Guests moved through the exhibition at their own pace, engaging with the works up close and exchanging interpretations. Informal conversations extended throughout the evening, allowing attendees to connect with the artist and his process in a more personal way.
Ugo Ahiakwo taking the audience on a walkthrough of his sculptural works presented at the exhibition, offering insights into his creative process and the themes, Day Two, presented on 13th March, 2025.
An attendee observing the details of Fleeting Moments of Joy I, 2025, Day Two, presented on 13th March, 2025.
An attendee observing the details of Fleeting Moments of Joy III, 2025, Day Two, presented on 13th March, 2025.
DAY THREE: CLOSING RECEPTION AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY BOSH?
The final day of Indulgence Before Consequence closed on a reflective and immersive note with a live musical performance by Bosh?. To set the tone for the evening, attendees were invited to contribute to a collaborative playlist, adding music that resonated with the themes of the exhibition. This collective soundtrack blended with Bosh?'s live performance, creating a layered auditory experience that complemented the visual and material explorations of the previous days.
Bosh? piano performance at Indulgence Before Consequence, Day Three, presented on 14th March, 2025.
The performance deepened the engagement with Ugo’s themes, offering an abstract yet complementary lens through which to consider the works. As the exhibition drew to a close, the conversations it sparked remained open-ended—echoing the fluidity of Ugo’s practice, where meaning is never fixed but continuously unfolding.
Attendees watching and listening to the musical performance by Bosh? Day Three, presented on 14th March, 2025.
Installation image, Fleeting Moments of Joy III, 2025, galvanized iron, automotive paint, lacquer, 13.5 x 12 x 5.5 inches.
Installation image, Washed Away, 2025, suiting fabric, interfacing, aluminium composite panels, automobile paint, lacquer, iridescent finish, 22 x 13.25 inches.
Installation image, Sparks Fly V (The Last Tango), 2024, car bonnet, wire brush strokes, automotive paint, lacquer, 67.5 x 48.5 x 36 inches.
Guests at the opening reception of Indulgence Before consequence, Day Two, presented on 13th March, 2025.
Event Details
Date: 12th - 14th March, 2025
Time: 10:00pm - 8:00pm daily
Location: 9b, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off TF Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos
About the Artist
UGO AHIAKWO (b. 1998) is a Lagos-based sculptor and curator whose works are defined by edginess, dynamism, tactility, and refinement. Drawing on his knowledge of art and design, Ugo explores his curiosities and aspirations for a better future through his creative process. He approaches his materials as collaborators, stating, “I believe everything has a voice, and I strive to highlight the ones that strike a chord with me.” He studied fashion design at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, and the School of the Arts Institute, Chicago, from 2015 to 2018. Ugo’s practice blends influences from design, architecture, and discarded objects, creating pieces that offer new life to overlooked materials.
Ugo Ahiakwo’s residency was generously supported by the Tilga Art Prize.
