Multidisciplinary artist, Alimi Adewale’srecent shows at O’DA Art Gallery and the Mercedes Benz Centre, both in Victoria Island, Lagos, have continued to captivate art lovers.
The two-part show, titled, ‘Eternal Forms: Exploring the Intersection of Earth and Humanity,’ weaves together the enigmatic tapestry of cave paintings, dynamic female portraiture and a collection of sculpture pieces that explore the human form in all its glory.
Through a cohesive body of work, it reflects earth’s timelessness, transformative power of femininity and universal language of art. Striking a balance between contemporary art and semiological archaeology, he presents intellectual rigour and notions of an unspoiled Eden of antiquity.
From the Timeless Tales Series, which moves between private and playful, contemporary and historical, to his long standing interest in portraiture and figuration best seen in Ethereal Gaze I-V and his Mother Nature sculptures, Adewale presents an opportunity to “reframe and reexamine our understanding of femininity, power, and the relationship between humanity and the earth.”
Using painting, sculptures and installations to explore urban issues, his practice combine elements of minimalism and abstraction to evoke the dynamism and intensity of the cosmopolitan environment. Most of his work have a profusion of rich textures and oftentimes, an uncommon sculptural finish.
Whether utilising photography and oil paint (Owambe, 2015) or thick lump of oils mediums (House of Assembly 2013) that takes years to dry, Alimi mines the endless possibilities of a particular material to introduce an additional dimension into the work, that of time. Imbued with their own mortality, his sculptures cultivate the experiential function of art compared to the traditional African sculptures. Alimi incorporates elements of minimalism and abstraction to create an oeuvre that is distinctly current, and as witty as it is macabre.
A graduate of mechanical engineering from University of Ilorin, his growing interest in art was spurred by the endless creativity in Nigeria. He later developed his extensive knowledge of art after graduating, by attending various art workshops across the world.
Since late 2002, he has used his art to explore and personalise urban issues alluding to the lives of everyday people, which are often neglected in the drive toward excessive urbanisation, rapid modern development and the growing global economy.
His idiosyncratic sculptural language is predicated on three factors, labouriously acquired skills, extensive technical knowledge and clearly defined aesthetic standards.
This is evident in the Mercedes display of the “Eternal Forms” exhibition, which consists of one bronze (Nature’s Guardian) and five wood sculptures (Symbiotic Connection).
Over six feet, these works are imposing marvels of mass and weight, solidity and artistic flair, amplified by the fact that they only depict the head and neck which at such height and bulk, demand attention and look surreal.
Curator, O’DA Art Gallery, Sunshine Alaibe said they have a dual focus of championing mid-career and established contemporary artists from Africa and the diaspora and bridging the gap between local and international audiences.
She said they are committed to showcasing artists who explore a wide range of themes including identity, technology, political commentary, social consciousness and environmental change.
Alaibe said they are entering a busy season soon and would be participating at the FNB Joburg Art fair next month, showcasing new works by Duke Asidere, Ousmane Ba and Isaac Emokpae. “We will also be participating in AKAA Art and Design Fair in Paris this October, presenting new works by Taiye Idahor, Soji Adesina and Obinna Makata. We have a few more exciting exhibition lined up in the last quarter of the year and cannot wait to share the news,” she said.
