A Talk and Writing Workshop Led by Ofem Ubi and Joladé Olusanya
Join us at G.A.S. Lagos on December 13th, 2024 for Functions of Humor, a talk and writing workshop led by two-time G.A.S. resident Ofem Ubi, alongside acclaimed Nigerian-British artist, film director, photographer, and poet Joladé Olusanya. This event will spotlight Ofem Ubi’s recent research into the transformative power of humor and share how his residency at the G.A.S. Farm House in Ijebu influenced his creative journey, enriching his exploration of humor’s role in navigating adversity. Together with the audience, he hopes to examine its role as a near-universal coping mechanism amidst societal and economic challenges such as rising insecurity and inflation whilst questioning whether it is in fact, a finite resource.
Following the talk, participants will engage in a hands-on writing workshop, exploring the role of humour in shaping social perspectives and driving change. Through guided writing exercises, participants will create a collaborative poem that seeks to respond to the following provocations: How does a community write a poem? How can a collectively written poem reflect how humor shapes our responses to social challenges? And, What role does laughter play in fostering social transformation?
Event Details
Date: 13th December, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: 9b, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off TF Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos.
-----Registration for this event is closed-----
This event is free however spaces are limited therefore it is essential to RSVP to secure your spot.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Ofem Ubi
A poet and artist from Nigeria, Ofem Ubi is exploring the poetic through visual forms. Drawing prompts from experience, his work upholds a constant query on memory and its manifestations beyond the page. His significant query —The Last Time I Called— focused on themes of grief, birthing a pamphlet and a show at the Guest Artists Space Foundation in 2022. The project also recorded a sequel —*Back on Home Soil*— scoring an exhibition and a film screening at the Fringe of Colour Film Festival, Edinburgh, in 2023, marking an extension of his inquiry. Ofem Ubi is a 2024 Prince Claus Seed Award recipient and a G.A.S. Foundation alumnus. He has shown works widely, including at RELE Gallery, Alte Tankstelle Deutz in Cologne, INKWELL Journal by Writerz & Scribez, and Alliance Française, Lagos.
Photo of Ofem Ubi. Image courtesy of Ofem Ubi.
Joladé Olusanya
Joladé Olusanya is a Nigerian-British award-winning poet, filmmaker, and photographer. A finalist for Young Poet Laureate for London and winner of the Out-Spoken Performance Poetry Prize and Poetry London Prize, his work explores themes of identity, resilience, and community. His poetry has been published in Poetry London, The Guardian, and BBC, and he has performed at iconic venues including the Royal Festival Hall and Roundhouse, as well as internationally. He is a Barbican Young Poet alumni founded by Jacob Sam-La Rose, and Obsidian Foundation alumni founded by Nick Makoha.
Joladé is currently working on his debut photography book and a new poetry pamphlet. With over a decade of international experience, his creative practice bridges mediums to tell authentic and intimate stories.
Photo of Joladé Olusanya. Image courtesy Joladé Olusanya.
This edition of the G.A.S. Fellowship Award is generously supported by Still Earth Holdings and our Residency Patrons.
