Nolan Oswald Dennis is a para-disciplinary artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Their practice primarily explores ‘a black consciousness of space’ focusing on the material and metaphysical conditions of decolonisation whilst questioning histories of space and time through system-specific, rather than site-specific interventions. Nolan, whose residency starts this week, is supported by Goodman Gallery through our Fellowship Platinum Partner donor package. They are Goodman Gallery's inaugural Artist in Residence at G.A.S. and will be returning to Nigeria later this year to participate in the Lagos Biennial.
What is the current focus of your practice?
My current practice explores system building within the context of art and science and African liberation history. I'm also investigating the possibilities of immaterial and imaginary institutions, technology, and infrastructures alongside theories of time and time travel.
No Conciliations Possible (2021). Photo: Anders Sune Berg
What drew you to apply for this residency and how do you think it will inform your wider practice?
I was excited about the possibility of this residency because of my participation in the forthcoming Lagos Biennial and my existing interest in Nigerian modernist art and writers. I am very inspired by the artistic thought and reimagining (reengineering) of contemporary art practice and theory in the post-colonial period in Nigeria. As a South Africa based artist practising in a post-apartheid context, I feel there is a lot to learn and emulate from this period and I hope this residency will help me expand the depth of my understanding.
Can you give us an insight into how you hope to use the opportunity?
I want to use my time in Lagos to build and grow my network of Nigerian practitioners and I have also already planned visits to several museums and institutions. This research will run in tandem with planning and preparation for the Lagos Biennial and the exploration of potential collaborations.
A Garden for Fanon (2021). Image courtesy of Goodman Gallery
RESIDENCY ARCHIVE
EVENT: Lagos Biennial 2024 Residency
Event Date: January - February 2024
Following a research residency in Lagos in January 2023, Nolan Oswald Dennis returned to Lagos for a residency spanning from January 25th to February 7th, 2024. This came in preparation for the Lagos Biennial. This incubator period served to fine-tuning the details of the Traces of Ecstacy pavilion they designed, which would go on to hold artworks by former G.A.S. Residents, Evan Ifekoya, and Raymond Pinto. In addition, this period allowed Nolan to prepare to share the research and conceptual framework behind their design at the Traces of Ecstasy symposium.
Aerial view, Traces of Ecstasy Pavilion, 2024. Photography by Amanda Iheme. Photo courtesy of KJ Abudu.
EVENT: Traces of Ecstasy Symposium (Lagos Biennial 2024)
Event Date: 7th February 2024
At the Traces of Ecstacy Symposium, Nolan Oswald Dennis presented his lecture, "UBU-NTU: Architectural and Virtual Spatialtes of Being-Becoming" alongside a roster of artists, writers, and scholars whose works informed the theoretical thrust of the Traces of Ecstasy pavilion at the 2024 edition of the Lagos Biennial. The accompanying symposium includes presentations and discussions exploring a variety of relevant themes such as the fraught relationship between colonial modernity and African indigeneity; the pitfalls of postcolonial statecraft; the intersections of critical African studies and queer and feminist theory; and the affinities between African metaphysical schemes and digital technologies.
Interior view, Traces of Ecstasy Pavilion, 2024. Photography by Amanda Iheme. Photo courtesy of KJ Abudu.
ABOUT NOLAN OSWALD DENNIS
NOLAN OSWALD DENNIS is a para-disciplinary artist. Their practice explores ‘a black consciousness of space’ - the material and metaphysical conditions of decolonisation - questioning histories of space and time through system-specific, rather than site-specific interventions. They hold a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and a Science Master’s degree in Art, Culture and Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Their work has been featured in exhibitions at the Goodman Gallery (Johannesburg, Cape Town, London), Palais de Tokyo (Paris), MACBA (Barcelona), AutoItalia SouthEast (London), CAN (Neuchatel), the Young Congo Biennale (Kinshasa) among others. They are a founding member of artist groups NTU and the Index Literacy Program, as well as a research associate at the VIAD research centre at the University of Johannesburg.
Nolan Oswald Dennis' residency was generously supported by Goodman Gallery.
