Ken Nwadiogbu: Frieze London | I Know The Shadows Will Always Be There
A Frieze London Solo Presentation by Ken Nwadiogbu
Young Generation Art Award Winner 2026
An Initiative by Degussa Goldhandel and Monopol Magazine
Frieze London takes place from 14 - 18 October 2026, at The Regent's Park.
Frieze London Opening Hours
Wednesday, October 14: 11am - 7pm (invitation only)
Thursday, October 15: 11am - 1pm (Members and Invitation only preview) 1pm - 5pm General admission tickets
Friday, October 16: 11am - 7pm
Saturday, October 17: 11am - 7pm
Sunday, October 18: 11am - 6pm
I Know the Shadow Will Always Be There explores Ken Nwadiogbu’s growing desire to reconnect with his culture as shaped through his experience of immi-gration. Inspired by encountering Ben Enwonwu’s The Dancer at Tate Modern’s Nigerian Modernism exhibition, Nwadiogbu began exploring how the Igbo masquerade could become a way of reconnecting with his own cultural identity. At Frieze London, the masquerade appears throughout his paintings, inserted into scenes of contemporary Western life. This exploration extends into the space itself, lining the walls of the Degussa Lounge with floor-to-ceiling threads of Ak-wete fabric, creating an immersive environment. As Nwadiogbu explains: “Everywhere I go, I carry the energy of my culture and my ancestors, regardless of whether or not it is visible to anyone else in the room.” The presentation will also include performances on Wednesday and Saturday.
