About the Exhibition:
The Stories Told Through Food exhibition has concluded its successful run, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. The event, held at Kozaa Space, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, not only dazzled the senses with Nigeria’s bold and diverse culinary offerings but also immersed visitors in a rich tapestry of cultural history and storytelling.
Precious Ozemoya showcased her fine art photographs of African dishes using artistic representations. The exhibition gave a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Nigerian food, inviting attendees to explore its significance beyond the plate.
From the spicy, savory jollof rice to the delicate flavours of pounded yams and egusi soup, each dish was presented as a storytelling of the different regions, climates, traditions, and communities that make up the vast and varied Nigerian landscape. The exhibition allowed visitors not only to view the food but also to learn about its origins, preparation, and the memories it holds within Nigerian culture.
“I wanted to show that Nigerian cuisine is as diverse as the continent itself,” explained Precious Ozemoya, the fine art photographer behind the exhibition. “Food is a language, a form of communication. It tells stories of community and history. Nigerian food is not just about taste; it is about identity.
The exhibition also focused on the intersection of food and its historical, ecological, and social context. Visitors were introduced to the age-old practices that shaped Nigerian food, from the cultivation of indigenous crops like yams and cassava to the deep-rooted trade systems that brought in spices, grains, and herbs from different corners of Africa and beyond. The exhibition shed light on how food practices have evolved with globalization, but have remained resilient and firmly rooted in African traditions.
During the exhibition, the cultural significance of food was emphasized, not just as a source of nourishment but as a powerful tool for preserving identity and fostering community bonds. The Taste of Nigeria exhibition was a vivid reminder
of how food is central to family gatherings, celebrations, and rites of passage. Each dish told a story of ancestral wisdom, the land, the people, and the connections between generations.
The exhibition underscored the notion that the act of preparing and sharing food is an important part of how Nigerians celebrate life, love, and heritage.
Visitors were invited not only to witness the stories of the exhibited photos but to be a part of them. These experiences were designed to bridge the gap between cultures, bringing together people from all backgrounds and offering them a firsthand opportunity to connect with Nigerian culture through the universal language of food.
As the exhibition closed, its impact remained undeniable. Stories Told Through Food Exhibition was more than an exploration of culinary practices; it was a celebration of heritage, identity, and the unifying power of food. The event successfully conveyed that African cuisine, much like the continent itself, is a fusion of countless influences—each telling a unique story, yet all sharing a bond.
