Press Release
Duo Show: Cutting Edge
TIMI KAKANDAR
In his latest series, Timi Kakandar harnesses the potent symbol of African hand-woven, entwined hair as crowns, reimagining queenly African women on a white canvas in a nod to classic European playing cards. The result is a collection of cutting-edge images that marry stunning aesthetics with profound cultural and symbolic meaning.
This latest series also features the ancient carved haircomb, a treasured relic from Africa’s storied past, with roots in tribal tradition and history that stretch back centuries. The haircomb’s inclusion adds a profound layer of cultural depth and meaning to the works.
By incorporating playing card symbols – hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs – he weaves narratives of love, family, growth, justice, and various human experiences. These motifs also embody concepts like good pursuits, energy, wealth, fire, speed, and others, infusing the artwork with a deeper significance.
A closer look at the works reveals a striking mirrored figure, reminiscent of the classic playing card characters. Yet, Kakandar elevates this concept, breathing life into his subjects with dynamic energy and emotional nuance, told through a bold and innovative visual language.
“I seek to expose the invincible double sides of the complex nature of humans; the mix of emotions we experience at every given time. This new body of paintings, all executed with a similar fabric collage and acrylic on canvas, can only be described aptly as truly cutting edge,” says Timi Kakandar.
Timi Kakandar’s creative journey began shortly after his graduation from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria in 1999. Through painting, drawing, and collage, he explores the human experience within the African context, delving into themes of challenge, joy, and social-political issues. His work is characterized by vibrant, raw colors and expressive lines that command attention and engage the viewer intensely. With a studio practice spanning over two decades, Timi has amassed a global following, with his works widely collected worldwide. His exhibition record includes six solo shows and over thirty group exhibitions, both within Nigeria and internationally.
BOLAJI OGUNWO
“My art draws inspiration from the people and events that surround me, both in my immediate environment and online. Over the course of my three-decade artistic journey, I’ve made a conscious decision to resist the influence of prevailing trends in visual arts, instead choosing to represent ideas and emotions authentically, as I experience them. This approach makes my art a cathartic expression – a raw and intense purging of my emotions onto canvas, untainted by external expectations.”
“Beyond mere aesthetics, my art serves as a powerful means of expression, utilizing a rich, textured palette to document and comment on pressing socio-political, cultural, and economic issues for future generations. Through my consistent practice, I have developed a unique style that represents imagery in layered, textured pixels. This approach embodies the philosophy that ‘the more you look, the more you see,’ inviting viewers to uncover new depths and meanings in my recent works.”
Bolaji Ogunwo is a distinguished artist, educator, and cleric, whose artistic journey has been marked by excellence and dedication. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s degree in Painting from the University of Lagos, and a PhD in Painting from Delta State University, Abraka.
With an impressive exhibition record, Bolaji has featured in over 60 high-profile group shows and 8 solo exhibitions across the globe, including Lagos, London, Manchester, and Chicago. His works are highly sought after and can be found in prominent private and public collections in numerous countries, including Nigeria, the UK, USA, France, Australia, Belgium, Qatar, Lebanon, UAE, Germany, South Africa, Morocco, and Spain.
Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Bolaji serves as a senior pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and lectures in the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, Akoka. He is also a devoted family man, blessed with children.