the artist’s algorithm
“As an artist, how would you reimagine the future?
An algorithm, by definition, is a process or set of rules to be solved. It’s like a riddle. The question for society is who controls the algorithm? How do artists win? What is the algorithm for love? What algorithm can we use to restructure our stories – what would it take for us all to swim, to win?”
The Artist’s Algorithm is a new series of exhibitions, essays, talks, games, performances, mentorship programmes, murals, and videos which aims to shed light on problems in education, politics, and governance through art. This new initiative builds on the core tenets of Fadugba’s award winning debut work, The People’s Algorithm – an interactive game installation in which players explore ways to win within the framework of Nigeria's pressing unemployment and educational crisis. Fadugba has remained greatly inspired by the African Renaissance Theory – a belief in the cultural, scientific, and economic renewal of post-colonial African nations.
The artists amongst new works (Medallion Girls series and Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoch) in Fadubga Studio, Ibadan (2021)
The Artist’s Algorithm’s is a culmination of the past three years in which the artist has been building a sustainable studio practice in Ibadan; fostering her research as a Fellow at the Smithsonian (2019-2020) to examine the past centennial of American and Transatlantic swimming history with regards to identity politics in the contexts of competitive sports; engaging in collaborative learning studies through a Museum Education Practicum with The Studio Museum in Harlem, an ArtX Portfolio Review, and more. The interdisciplinary and interactive elements of this new project all adhere to Fadugba’s interests in global expression – rooted in her upbringing across East and West Africa, Europe, and America – and foster collaborative thought leadership across countries while empowering the continent. Greatly inspired by the African Renaissance Theory – a belief in the cultural, scientific, and economic renewal of post-colonial African nations – The Artist’s Algorithm’s mission is to promote interdisciplinary, educational, and economically sustainable creative initiatives in Africa.
Modupeola Fadugba in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Video Still (2020)
The inaugural exhibition for this long-term project is Why Nations Win – opening in Lagos 2021. It will embrace an introductory, open-studio context including 20 works on paper and canvas, a video, and game installation accompanied by a live programme. Moreover, it is also a place for dreams, games, and the provocative power of play to initiate dialogues about African artists, materials, and history. We will create sites of celebration and spaces for play, where the individual, community, and nations can develop, together. It is a proposal for the future: a dream to create immersive, collaborative, and multi-layered art experiences that offer new interpretations of Africa-centred futures, taking the fear out of learning by making it active, beautiful, and fun. This new way to play gives us new ways to win.
“I guess when it comes to playing the game of life, we can all break the rules. I’m looking forward to a future where artists make new ones, creating a game where love always win. ”