Hoping you’re all well and the year is being good to you so far. I’m happy to announce that I’m participating in Unfold, the forthcoming exhibition at London’s Espacio Gallery. I’ll be exhibiting some of my recent figurative work which I hope you’ll like. The exhibition is a fascinating journey into the creative mind of several artists. It reveals the creative processes that are essential to the development of their art. They allow the viewer a glimpse into sources of inspiration, and invite the onlooker to watch their ideas unfold, evolve and eventually develop into finished works.
The exhibition, curated by Carlos de Lins, showcases a variety of interpretations and mediums reflecting their different styles. The private viewing is on Thursday 1st February. The show runs from January 30th to February 11th 2018.
Featured artists are:
Tanaz Assefi, Elena Brand, Andrea Coltman, Evaldas Gulbinas, Ekaterini Koliakou, Charvi Jain, Benjamin Nyari, Renee Rilexie, Pierre Verluca, Claire Weinstock, Sara Wickenden, Lewis Albert Williams
For further info please visit the gallery website.
Unfortunately it seems the summer is coming to an end but there are plenty of art exhibitions and events to entertain and inspire us as the nights get longer. There are a few interesting shows in both London and New York this week I know of so, if you’re fortunate to be in either or both locations over the coming weeks check them out! The two that come to mind are the following:
The Republic of Brexitopia at London’s Espacio Gallery
The Republic of Brexitopia is an imaginary country of the near future. Using a mix of participative, performative and provocative strategies the 27 participating artists address not just Brexitopia’s political and economic trajectory, but also the relationship between its citizens, the lure of exceptionalism, and the narrow line between optimism and delusion, utopia and dystopia.
The tone of the artworks varies from the passionate to cool observation, from the committed to wry humour. Some responses are based on personal experience of the artists – a shaken sense of belonging and the feeling of being turned into “the other”. Other responses test the boundaries of patriotism, truth and historical remembrance. The participative nature of many of the works invites the visitor to reflect on the idea of human agency. They suggest that we don’t have to resign ourselves to the inevitability of this or that future, but that we can choose to be active agents in shaping the future we desire. The show opens Thursday 7th For further information please the Espacio gallery
Barbara Chase-Riboud Malcolm X: Complete at Michael Rosenfeld Gallery New York
This exhibition is celebrating the artist’s now complete series of monumental bronze and fiber sculptures that the artist has created over the last half-century in honour of the slain human rights leader. The exhibition, her second large-scale solo show at New York’s Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, will be accompanied by a fully illustrated colour catalogue featuring a recent interview with the artist by Carlos Basualdo, the Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Curator of Contemporary Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The show opens on September 9th
Last week I was in London’s Shoreditch district admiring the various works of art on public display. Until this weekend, the Espacio Gallery plays host to the Ajags Gallery’s new exhibition entitled ‘Art Will Find A Way.’ The exhibition is a group show, comprising of the distinct and individual works of four artists – Mayowa Ajagunna (of the Ajags Gallery), Saman Gedara, Mary Osinibi and Princess Idowu – all connected by a shared interest in the wildly imaginative nature of artistic expressions (but diverse in their creativity) that includes painting, photography, sculpture, installation and mixed media.
‘Art Will Find A Way‘ is a concept that presents the idea of open-mindedness, optimism, positivity and being able to resolve or deal with whatever situation you find yourself in. The art is inspirational, thought provoking and invites you to enjoy the directness of the work. Without doubt there are paintings some may need sensitivity in handling but this selection of work only encourages you to look at the subject matters from a wider perspective, as an active participant and not just a passive observer. With this in mind, I was particularly keen to ask the gallery’s founder Mayowa Ajagunna about his work and the show.
Q- How did you get into painting?
I didn’t get into painting. Painting was already a part of me and all I did was to show that side of me to the world.
Q-Your works appear to carry a personal, intense and intimate connection with the viewer. What motivates you to paint?
Legacy – the idea of leaving something timeless behind appeals to me a lot. Communication – its a medium I use communicate, so that I can be very well understood. Expression – as cliche as this might sound, painting when you’re angry, down, sad, stressed or worried actually elevates a problem from ones mind.
Mayowa Ajagunna
Q- How did the theme of “Art will find a way’ come about?
“Art Will Find A Way” is a quote I learnt from a friend I studied Art A levels with in college almost 15 years ago. Today I still very much believe in it because to me it reflects on everyday life struggles and having a strong mindset, discipline, focus and determination to see yourself through difficult situations.
Q-Can you tell us more about the Ajag Gallery?
Correction “Ajags Gallery” like the name says ‘Ajags Gallery’ is for all of ‘Ajags’ Artworks lol. Just like a Salvador Dali Gallery or a Picasso Gallery.
I’m not your typical high street gallery that seeks to rob artists for a 50% commission on artworks. I am an independent artist that exhibits solo. For the first time I am having a group show with other artist and its called “Art Will Find A Way.”
Q-When and where will we see the next Ajags Gallery?
Next year summer most likely, this is the first of its kind that we intend to do every year. Where exactly, well somewhere around Brick Lane, so long as it remains the contemporary art hub of London. Nigeria, Africa is also a strong possibility.
I wish Mayowa and his colleagues the very best with the show. I encourage you to see this if you are in London over the next week. For further information please visit the http://www.ajagsgallery.com
A Day In the life of an Artist: David Emmanuel Noel 