Art That speaks: Moments and Emotions Captured at the First Southeastern Photography Exhibition, Ifenkili 

By Emmanuel Amoke Chidera

Ifenkili!-Beauty in its excellence. Luca’s photography exhibition was nothing short of the title of the event, a celebration of beauty in its purest form. The Exhibition was a splendid spectacle from the captivating artworks to the enchanting guests who graced the event glammed up in their elegant attires. 

Enugu witnessed a historic event as it played host to its very first photography exhibition by Lucas Photography. The event, which was hosted at the Latitude Café and Lounge on August 7th, 2023, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests that included influencers like Williams Uchemba, government officials like Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the secretary to the Enugu State governor, and Ugochukwu Aronu, the CEO of Xend Finance, among other esteemed personalities. 

The visionary behind it all, Lucas Ugo, born Ugonna Chidera Ugwuoti hails from Opi in Nsukka, Enugu State. His prowess in portrait photography has earned him a well-deserved reputation. His photographs are not mere captures of moments; they’re a composition of artistic expressions. This exhibition was his invitation to art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in his expressive visual narrative. 

The event kicked off with a red carpet, just before the grand reveal of ten distinct and beautiful artworks. Nature’s allure, captured through his camera lens, let viewers into his unique perspective. The event closed with an after-party. 

Among the exhibited masterpieces: 

“Lolo,” adorned with exquisite beads symbolizing royalty, prestige, and accomplishment, was valued at a hundred and twenty thousand Naira. 

“African Beauty” paid homage to the splendor of African women, dipped in chocolate, bronzed with elegance, and graced with strength. Inspired by genuine African beauty, it was a true testament to strength and grace, sold for a hundred thousand Naira. 

“Hagizo” conveyed the unseen scars and the resilience to endure, coveted at a hundred thousand Naira, encapsulating strength within fragility. 

“Reflection” embraced the serenity of nature’s beauty, offering solace within its tranquil depths, and was acquired for a hundred thousand Naira. 

“Serenity” encapsulates boundless tranquility, a masterpiece valued at a hundred thousand Naira. 

“Blood Queen” portrayed a commanding enchantress who could effortlessly enthrall men, earning it a price of two hundred thousand Naira. 

Lastly, “Fallen Angel,” the embodiment of revived hopes and second chances, emerged as the exhibition’s highlight, reaching a remarkable three hundred and fifty thousand Naira in the auction. 

Ifenkili was more than just an exhibition, it was a journey into the soul of art, where moments were captured and emotions immortalized. Luca’s Photography Exhibition was an experience that painted life’s diverse shades onto a canvas of memories.