In line with its aim to trigger a newfound appreciation of the arts and help nurture a new generation of visual artists, Rele has in the past year been observing, collecting and supporting young talents whom it believes have the right balance of potential, work ethic and drive to occupy a new roster of accomplished artists, in the future.
Believing that the time is nigh for their artistic voice to be amplified and boldly predicting that they will be ones to watch out for and to shake up the art establishment in the next 300-something days, Rele Gallery proudly presents these artists anew to the world in an introductory exhibition.
The exhibition features Logor Oluwamuyiwa, Dennis Osadebe, Dipo Doherty, Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, Eloghosa Osunde and Ayobola Kekere-Ekun.
Each artist possesses a unique voice, eye and message and have created conversational work that addresses urgent, topical issues, showing that contrary to popular opinion, the young (and yes, the artistic ones) show a commitment to engage the space around them and contribute to pressing matters arising…
Logor
In his bird’s eye photography captures landscapes, the city of Lagos in a way that is still and stark. His characters are unsuspecting passers-by, bridges, road signs… His is a Lagos that is rid of colour and vibrancy and yet possesses a chilling beauty that we may not have seen otherwise…
Eloghosa
In her body of work preoccupies herself with the city, albeit one area in particular – one of its most popular, noisiest and historic districts: Obalende. She explores here, in a way that invites rethought, considering themes of “abandonment, of absconding, of settling, of being left to one’s own devices and eventually, making a home out of what one is given…”
Ayobola Kekere-Ekun
The queen quiller uses the abstract to pose a very urgent question to all of us – Why do you use culture as an excuse not to grow, not to look inwards, not to probe uncomfortable topics or situations? Many of those topics, currently tending spring to mind – feminism, rape, misogyny, tribalism, sexuality, gender roles. Culture is consistently used as an excuse to skirt or blatantly ignore these hot topics. This artist says… Never again.
Dipo Doherty
An artist of unapologetic ambition, Doherty stands at the intersection of culture and science with his large-scale paintings. Inspired by big bangs in his mind, and the reality of breakthroughs in life and his science, he has created a towering series of works that will not overwhelm but envelope you. You may not complain.
Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu
A visual storyteller who marries different mediums of artistic expression, sometimes all at once, Ukoha-Kalu is a prodigy becoming. She has created a series of drawings and paintings titled ‘All of His Things’ modelled after the life of a fictional character. She has created a world of colour, of form, of pattern and vibrancy. You may enter.
The exhibition which is sponsored by FAT BASTARD wines will hold on the 10th January 2016, by 4PM at Rele Gallery Military Road,Onikan Lagos.
