Continuing its culture of showcasing the best of African art to the world, Temple Muse has announced the first solo exhibition of Nigerian artist, Gbenga Matthew, titled Subconscious Consciousness.

The exhibition will show to the general public from September 28 to October 20, 2024, at the gallery in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This captivating exhibition, curated by Avinash D. Wadhwani, delves into the complex relationship between the conscious mind and the subconscious, offering a visually dynamic and emotionally engaging experience.
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Through vibrant abstract expressionist paintings and immersive installations, Gbenga invites visitors to explore the depths of the psyche, revealing hidden layers of meaning within everyday experiences. His unique neo-expressionist style, featuring bold colours, expressive brushwork, and spontaneous symbolic imagery, presents an intense and personal exploration of inner thoughts, emotions, and societal reflections.

One of the standout pieces in the exhibition, In Love with a Surrealist, depicts a fragmented figure entangled in a chaotic web of lines and colours, symbolising the tension between rationality and irrational desire, a central theme in his work. Other pieces continue to reflect his philosophical inclinations, including his interpretation of the Tree of Life, presented through two-dimensional acrylic panels viewable from both sides, challenging perspectives and reinforcing the exhibition’s theme of ‘same same but different’.

Matthew’s art is deeply influenced by his Yoruba heritage and his experiences in The Benin Republic, where he drew inspiration from the similarities and differences between the Yoruba people across borders. His work not only reflects a profound engagement with African identity but also showcases his bold experimentation with scale, colour, and depth.

Curator Wadhwani, Creative Director of Temple Muse, describes Matthew’s work as “an invitation to explore the layered complexities of human thought and emotion.”

Temple Muse continues its tradition of nurturing local talent and offering its clients cutting-edge contemporary art from Africa and beyond. Visitors to “Subconscious Consciousness” can expect a visually captivating and introspective experience, where the boundaries between awareness, intuition, and artistic expression are fluidly explored.

Gbenga Matthew is a young contemporary neo-expressionist painter whose work serves as a commentary on his emotions, philosophical ideas, and society. His signature style blends uninhibited symbols and text/image motifs, reminiscent of pop art, with bold colours and energetic brushstrokes that bring his canvases to life.
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