Untitled (Agaracha)
- Artist: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere
- Date: 1974, printed 2012
- Medium: Photograph, gelatin silver print on paper
- Dimensions: image: 300 x 300 mm
- Museum: Tate Modern
- Collection record: Tate Modern website
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About this artwork
This is the “Untitled (Agaracha)” by J.D. Okhai Ojeikere. It was captured in 1974 and later printed in 2012 as a gelatin‑silver photograph on paper, a medium that gives it a subtle, almost tactile texture. The image focuses on a young Nigerian woman whose head is adorned with a striking earring and an elaborate hairstyle – a signature of Ojeikere’s fascination with contemporary Nigerian fashion and identity.
Ojeikere was a pioneer in documenting everyday life and beauty in Nigeria, and his work is celebrated for its candid eye and sharp social commentary. “Agaracha” is a snapshot of modernity: it bridges traditional cultural markers with the urban energy of the 1970s, inviting viewers to consider how personal style reflects broader cultural shifts. The piece captures the elegance of the subject and the subtle play of light on her hair, making the viewer pause and appreciate the intricate details that speak to a vibrant cultural moment.
See it in person
Untitled (Agaracha) is in the collection of Tate Modern on Bankside, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
