Press Release
Group Show: Visual Explorations V
Gallery is thrilled to announce the fifth installment of its acclaimed “Visual Explorations” series, an exhibition showcasing the remarkable talents of five emerging West African artists.
This online exhibition invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and the global public to experience the vibrant artistic heritage of West Africa from the comfort of their own spaces. The carefully curated showcase features a diverse array of media and artistic styles, offering a captivating journey through the region’s rich cultural landscape.
The featured artists bring forth a unique blend of traditional and contemporary influences, creating a dynamic and immersive visual experience. Ogirikan Gallery is proud to provide a digital platform for these innovative artists to share their perspectives, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of West African art.
OLABODE AFEEZ AFOLABI
Nigerian artist Olabode Afeez Afolabi creates contemporary academic realism that combines repurposed fabric, wallpaper, and oil paint to blur the lines between the canvas and the natural world. Through his work, he offers subtle commentary on humanity’s relationship with the environment, which is deeply intertwined with flora. Afolabi’s pieces, whether painted or composed of repurposed fabrics featuring botanical motifs, invite viewers to contemplate their connection to the natural world.
IZUCHUKWU LUTHER AKUNNE
Nigerian based Izuchukwu Luther Akunne captures contemplative moods in his paintings. His figures are mostly seen beside windows and everyday activity which he considers a contemplation that allows viewers to experience the expanse of space without losing the center of focus in his works.
EYITUOYOMI MARTINS EWETAN
Eyituoyomi Martins Ewetan, a Nigerian-born artist and civil engineer, creates vibrant artworks that explore connections between individuals, self-growth, and cultural traditions, often infused with bold colors like Magenta. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Ewetan’s artistic process is an introspective exploration of African heritage and human experiences, shaping an oeuvre that celebrates the richness of his cultural roots.
EDET UWEH
Rembrandt’s bright style and expert use of light inspired Edet Uweh’s work, which shows his love of Renaissance and Medieval masterworks. His use of strong value contrasts, harmonized hues, and powerful compositions reflects his ancestors’ style.
The artist’s vision is expressed in oil, his favored media. Its pliability and slow drying time allow Edet to directly connect with his materials, enabling an adventurous creative process. Due to need and invention, his precise drawings are now in pen and ink.
Edet Uweh’s story shows inventive tenacity despite all difficulties. His rise from early doodles to complex allegorical tales shows his dedication to global communication via art. As Uweh’s creative journey continues, his contributions deepen modern realism, establishing him as a rising star.
YAW BOATENG
Ghana-based painter Yaw Boateng creates distinctive art that captures contemporary trends and societal occurrences. He combines various media and techniques to produce unique works that explore modern African cultures.
Boateng draws inspiration from Ghana’s youth, incorporating elements of hip-hop, street, and Afro-pop cultures into his art. His recent collection uses shades of green to represent the growth and vigor of adolescence, celebrating the energy and vibrancy of youth.