Osaru Obaseki Nigeria, b. 1993

The artwork "Where Things Fall" navigates the intricate layers of history, identity, and transition, set against the backdrop of the enduring Benin walls together with the evolving landscape of Venice. In the painting, the viewer embarks on a visual journey through time, symbolized by the transition from the ancient Benin walls to the flourishing growth of a banana tree, symbolizing vitality and regeneration. However, amidst this natural splendor, signs of decay and the relentless passage of time are unmistakable, portrayed through the layering of bricks and the gradual erosion of structures. At the heart of the composition lies a window, offering a portal from one point to another, reflecting the transitions experienced by both the artist and the city of Venice. On the left side, Nigerian symbols evoke the presence of Africa and the artist's heritage, while the central section captures the decay and metamorphosis of Venice, its faded grandeur reverberating through layers of history. The right side remains blank, a void open to speculation about the future — both of the artist and of Venice itself. Through "Where Things Fall," viewers are encouraged to contemplate the interplay between past, present, and future, and the imprints we leave behind as we navigate the passage of time.