For Brown, aesthetics, diversity enliven Africa’s Splendour at Artlab

Nature, as the biggest gift to humanity is the central theme of artist, Ini Brown whose paintings celebrate the beauty of the rural environment as well the exciting chaos of urbanisation.

With over four decades of studio practice, Brown continues his mastery of painting, across two different medium his new solo art exhibition titled Africa’s Splendour, which shows from November 1 to 23, 2024 at Artlab Gallery, on Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Interestingly, Brown’s Africa’s Splendour’ is the first exhibition at the newly rebranded ArtLab Gallery, formerly The Content.

From such paintings as Market Matriarchs, Tender Bond, River Market Harmony, Rusty Brown Roofs, Riverine Harmony, Urban Tapestry, Market Matriarchs, Gathering Harvest, Gathering Life, and Lagos Koro, among others, Brown creates art of splendour.

For example, in Market Matriarchs, the artist showcases four women traders engaged in lively discussion as his mastery of watercolour technique makes the women the focal point just as the background dissolves into expressive shapes and colours, evoking the dynamic market atmosphere. Vibrant hues and textures capture the women’s energy, resilience, and camaraderie.

Brown’s brushstrokes infuse the scene with warmth and movement, inviting viewers to join the conversation. This captivating artwork celebrates African women’s strength, community, and pulsing heart of the market.

In another piece, titled, Gathering Harvest, Gathering Life, Brown captures African women and girls returning from the farm, carrying firewood and freshly harvested produce. The bush pathway, lined with lush greenery, invites the viewer into their daily routine. Soft watercolours evoke the serenity of the forest, contrasting with the vibrant colors of their clothing and goods.

Brown skillfully highlights the women’s strength and purpose, as they walk in unison, their loads a testament to their labor. This masterpiece celebrates African resilience, community, and the harmony between nature and daily life.

In preview note, curator of Africa’s Splendour, Lekan Onabanjo, stated that the rich works of Brown have so much for art followers to see as well as enjoy the newly rebranded ArtLab Gallery.

“This is a special art exhibition with multiple benefits for both the artist, Ini Brown and art lovers, especially those who have been following us since we started showing exceptional art since 2017,” Onabanjo assured. “As we rebranded with Brown’s ‘Africa’s Splendour’, the new name ArtLab Gallery, from former The Content Gallery will continue to showcase the best of art from both established and emerging artists.”

The gallery made its debut in 2017 with seven artists in a group show titled, The Content, which featured Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo and Onabanjo. About six art exhibitions, from across cadres of artist have been shown since 2017 by the gallery, creating fresh perspective in art appreciation. In 2022, a group of female artists showed.