From this weekend, 15th July to August 19, multidisciplinary artist, Alimi Adewale would be holding a solo exhibition at O’DA Art Gallery and the Mercedes Benz Center, both in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The two-part exhibition, 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, this exhibition reflects upon the earth’s timelessness, the transformative power of femininity and the universal language of art.
At the Gallery, Adewale strikes a balance between contemporary art and semiological archaeology, while presenting intellectual rigour and the notions of an unspoiled Eden of antiquity. From the Timeless Tales Series, which interchanges between private and playful, contemporary and historical; to his long standing interest in portraiture and figuration depicted in his 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”.
Adewale uses painting, sculptures and installations to explore urban issues and the lives of everyday people in cities. His practice combines 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, laboriously 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 sculpture (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. 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.
“With “beauty” at the epicentre of our gallery vision, we strive to present timeless displays by fusing art and interior design to create an immersive environment for our audiences. With a continuous programme of sublime exhibitions, installations and performances, the gallery aims to foster global partnerships, expand a gallery residency programme and welcome art professionals to contemporary West African art practices,” she said.
