Back to Benin: Restitution as Repair Through Contemporary Edo Art
There's an upcoming exhibition called 'Back to Benin: New Art, Ancient Legacy' at the Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle, Netherlands, running from February 21 to June 7, 2026. It features the Ama O Ghe Ehen mudfish plaque that has been returned, inspiring fresh works from ten Edo artists. Curator Aude Christel Mgba sees restitution as more than just returning artifacts; it’s about reviving memory, language, and dignity. Notable artists include Leo Asemota and Victor Ehikhamenor. Their art tackles themes like the 1897 looting and Edo cosmology. For instance, Atairu's documentary highlights female rulers, while Jonathan's work reimagines a sacred staff. Mgba believes restitution can heal historical scars, with contemporary artists vital to Benin's cultural revival.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Back to Benin: New Art, Ancient Legacy' runs 21 February – 7 June 2026 at Museum de Fundatie, Zwolle.
- The show is built around the restituted Ama O Ghe Ehen mudfish plaque.
- Curator Aude Christel Mgba defines restitution as restoration of memory, language, and dignity.
- Ten contemporary Edo artists and one bronze caster participate: Leo Asemota, Minne Atairu, Victor Ehikhamenor, Favour Jonathan, Taiye Idahor, Osaru Obaseki, Enotie Ogbebor, Abraham Oghobase, Osaze Amadasun, Phil Omodamwen.
- Works include drawings, paintings, sculptures, textile art, photography, digital media, video, and sound installations.
- Minne Atairu created a 15-minute AI-generated documentary about two female Ogiso dynasty rulers.
- Enotie Ogbebor's recycled bronze sculpture depicts Olokun, the water deity, with Edo proverbs inscribed on surrounding plaques.
- Favour Jonathan's large-scale metal Ukhure sculpture celebrates the goddess Ovia.
- The exhibition is organized around three principles: restitution as reparation, the right to multiple and complex singularity, and the contemporary as a space for continuity.
- Museum de Fundatie director Beatrice von Bormann initiated the restitution of the Ama O Ghe Ehen.
Entities
Artists
- Aude Christel Mgba
- Leo Asemota
- Minne Atairu
- Victor Ehikhamenor
- Favour Jonathan
- Taiye Idahor
- Osaru Obaseki
- Enotie Ogbebor
- Abraham Oghobase
- Osaze Amadasun
- Phil Omodamwen
- Engelbert Mveng
- Beatrice von Bormann
- Suzette Bell-Roberts
- Abraham Onoriode Oghobase
Institutions
- Museum de Fundatie
- Art Africa Magazine
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
- Kunstzaal Van Lier
- Mauritshuis
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Locations
- Zwolle
- Netherlands
- Benin
- Benin Kingdom
- West Africa
- Nigeria
- Amsterdam
- New York
- Rotterdam