In commemoration of International Men’s Day, contemporary visual artist Ameh Odachi opened her deeply moving exhibition titled “Men, Mask & Meaning” at the Orisun Art Gallery in Abuja, creating a powerful platform to confront the often-neglected issue of men’s mental health.
Curated by renowned art expert Rowland Goyit, the exhibition showcased 30 meticulously executed works 15 acrylic paintings and 15 bead artworks. Each piece explored emotional and psychological themes surrounding the male experience, including resilience, trauma, identity, healing, and hope.
Odachi revealed that the project is rooted in a highly personal memory involving her father, whose silent struggle inspired the entire initiative. She recounted a day she found him lost in distress:
“I spoke to him for over five minutes without a word in response. I left him a note that read, ‘Dad, do not make any decision when your decision maker is broken.’ Later that day, he opened up to me and for the first time I heard him say the word ‘suicide.’”
She explained that the exhibition was created as a tribute to her father and a broader recognition of the quiet battles many men face.
“‘Men, Mask & Meaning’ reflects masculinity not as a rigid definition but as a wide spectrum of emotions, contradictions, and unspoken longings.”
The event attracted strong commendation from art and community leaders. President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Sulaiman, praised Odachi for spotlighting the sacrifices of men across demanding roles from soldiers to devoted fathers whose emotional struggles often go unnoticed.
Panelists also used the occasion to call for action.
Dr. Walter Olatunde encouraged older men to mentor the youth while urging younger generations to be politically engaged.
Artist and architect Oluwa Bankole commended the exhibition for offering a safe space for men to express themselves.
Ahmed Bello emphasized the importance of building communities where men can openly share and find support.
Imal Silver highlighted the role of artists in shaping healthier societies and urged older generations to model the values they wish to see in youth.
Through powerful visual storytelling and heartfelt dialogue, Odachi’s “Men, Mask & Meaning” successfully fostered reflection, conversation, and advocacy, drawing attention to the urgent need to support the mental well-being of men.
