1. National Museum: Cutting Edge| A Duo Exhibition
Cutting Edge is a celebration of transformative energy, where each piece reflects the unique voice of two prolific artists who have dared to reimagine the endless possibilities of collaboration. By exchanging and leveraging ideas, they have forged a cutting-edge dialogue through their work.
Timi Kakandar’s fascination with the feminine figure serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling and communication. Drawing inspiration from his immediate environment, his soft brushwork and collage techniques celebrate the intricacies and fine details of his subjects. Kakandar’s Queen series, an extended concept within his oeuvre, utilizes the symbolism of playing cards—diamonds, clubs, kings, and queens—to explore themes of wealth, health, energy, and courage, offering insights into the essence of human experience and existence. His work pays homage to African heritage, particularly in the celebration of elaborate feminine hairstyles, thus shedding light on themes of authenticity and cultural pride.
Bolaji Ogunwo’s high-definition impasto technique, combined with the richness of color and texture, speaks to the wealth and vibrancy of the African continent. His work offers an optimistic counter-narrative to the current state of turmoil and decline. Ogunwo’s exploration of pixels takes center stage in Compassion, which depicts a young mother cradling her child, symbolizing the deep connection between mother and child. In One Accord, abstract human figures jostle for space on the canvas, representing the importance of a unifying voice amidst conflicting ideologies.
These artists resist easy categorization; it is challenging to assign a single label to the individual styles presented by Kakandar and Ogunwo. Their works, filled with relatable subjects and aesthetically pleasing compositions, engage the intellect and stimulate thought-provoking discourse. As you explore each piece on display, feel free to uncover its meaning while allowing yourself to absorb the energy it conveys.
Venue: National Museum, Onikan.
Date: August 18 – 24, 2024.
Curator: Temitope Oladeji
2. Tim and Carol Gallery of Art: New Paragons 1: Engaging Perspectives | A Group Exhibition
The Tim and Carol Gallery of Art invites the public to New Paragons 1: Engaging Perspectives, the first of a series of exhibitions convening highly sought-after artists across different genres and forms of art: paintings, mixed-media, ceramics, sculptures and audio-visuals.
Venue: Tim and Carol Gallery of Art, 7a, Oba Dosumu Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Time: 2pm
