In a grand move that solidifies her place as one of Nigeria’s most successful contemporary female artists, Paris-based Nigerian female artist, Igbinovia Omon Sophia, has, once again, shown her ingenuity to the world with the opening of her solo exhibition tagged ‘L’ame Des Batiments’ in Paris, France.

Translated ‘The Soul of Building’ in English, the 25-day exhibition scheduled to run from May 3rd-28th, 2025, invites reflection on the interplay of environment and identity, urging viewers to recognise the power of perspective in reshaping self thought, hope and the society.

“These works reimagine urban landscapes as living testaments to collective human spirit,” she said.

Drawing parallels between the brick-by-brick construction of cities and the incremental shaping of lives through mindset, Omon Sophia frames the latter as humanity’s “most valuable asset.”

“The choice of acrylic as material mirrors this duality: the rigidity of external structures and the fluid resilience within,” she adds.

The body of work, the artist explained, also employs vibrant hues that evoke hope, while torn edges and layered foils allude to the scars and enduring strength of marginalised communities.

Speaking on staging her first international solo exhibition, Omon Sophia described the experience as inspiring.

“It was not an easy preparation because I had only two months to the opening date to actually prepare. I had a very short time to come up with the theme, the painting concept and the story behind each of them. But I am grateful to God for helping me to come up with amazing and inspiring pieces.

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to friends, sponsors including Artfrofest and Pour l’ Art Pour L’Afrique, art enthusiasts and collectors for their support so far since the take-off of the exhibition, the artist told Vanguard she looked forward to greater opportunities and collaborations in the future, with more people being inspired by the message of my paintings.

Born 1989, Omon Sophia is a Nigerian artist based in Paris, France. She holds a Higher Diploma Degree in Computer Graphics from Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo-State, and is a member of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria, FEAAN, as well as La Maison des Artistes France.

A protégé of the renowned Dr.Bruce Onobrakpeya, Sophia had her debut solo exhibition “HER WISH” in 2020 in Nigeria. She has participated in several group exhibitions and has been featured in newspapers, books and online platforms.

Poised to inspire women and girls through her works, Sophia is well exhibited in Nigeria and internationally, and her works can be found in prominent collections.