Titilola Fagbemi’s art of mostly figurative representation, interestingly, takes its inspiration from the works by the artist’s mother.

Under a relatively specialised platform, Forme Femine Art Gallery, Fagbemi has found great visual expression for her creativity. There is a threesome union: Forme Femine, a space with focus on women; Fagbemi, a female artist with soft brush touch; and the inspiration from the artist’s mother.

Celebrating the commonality among the three is the body of work by Fagbemi in the solo art exhibition, titled, Convergence.

After its physical exclusive viewing in Victoria Island, Lagos, few weeks ago, it currently shows till July 9, 2023 on the gallery’s website and other platforms. The gallery said that a possible extension of the show would be announced.

Curated by Charlene Chikezie, Convergence, according to the curator, merges the artist’s expression and experimentation to create the dynamics that exist in what was described as “intergenerational relationships.”

Chikezie stated: “Drawing from shared experiences with her mother and a wellspring of readings, texts and interviews that deconstruct the maternal, the artist weaves a visual language that speaks to a desire to identify with and perhaps understand mothers.”

Further articulating the artist’s relationship with her mother within the mentioned realm of being, Chikezie explained that Fagbemi attempts to engage in the delicate act of ‘remembering’ the mother-daughter body in theory and shared affinities. The artist, she added unravels the intricate threads that weave the salient relationship.

Fagbemi, she stated, reflects on the influence of matrilineal bonds to her practice in her painting. For example, the artist in one of the artworks titled ‘The Intersection,’ captures some similarities between mother and daughter irrespective of the generational gap.

“This painting marked the beginning of this body of work,” Fagbemi disclosed. “It originated from my observation of the similarities between my mother and me, despite the 30-year age difference.”

Fagbemi recalled how she stumbled upon one of her mother’s journals from the 1990s, and “I realised our mutual affinity for expressing ourselves through writing and reading.”

The artist stated that the revelation played a strong part in her career as it inspired her to explore the interplay between generations, documenting the parallels and differences in a meaningful painting.

From curatorial perspective, Chikezie argued that Fagbemi’s reflection on her childhood experiences, particularly of her mother teaching her to draw and sketch during homework and crafts, also influenced and exposed her to the world of drawing. The curator asserted that the Convergence exhibition expresses this essence while unearthing a chain of support systems that have long nurtured and sustained women.

The home tutelage, which later inspired the artist seemed to have taken Fagbemi’s community along. “Within these compositions, Fagbemi further captures the dichotomy between the development of personal identity and the nurturing power of a supportive community.”

Chikezie noted that Fagbemi’s art becomes a conduit for mother-daughter pedagogy, a powerful exchange of wisdom and understanding rooted in the maternal space; transcending generations.

Taking an overview through the exhibits, Chikezie assured that viewers will find themselves immersed in a world where tender threads of connection interlace, where maternal vignettes intersect, and where the mapping of matrilineal influences converge into a powerful testament to the resilience and beauty of womanhood and identity.

She said the exhibition invites art lovers to embark on an inter-generational voyage, delving into the realms of memory, empathy, and shared experiences. Paying homage to the foundation of our existence while contemplating the evolving narratives of womanhood.

In a gallery statement, Forme Femine (FF) explained its mission as an innovative space with female-focused thematic contents. “FF features artists of African descents; portraying the feminine in creating a multilayered visual commentary on the relationship between art and society.” The gallery added that exhibitions and programmes are designed to offer the finest reflections on diversity of expression and cultural heritage while tackling questions of representation in the arts and fostering dialogue on these intersecting subjects on a global scale.

Fagbemi, born 1999, is a Nigerian artist who currently works and lives in Lagos. She uses portraiture to investigate various themes that cut across psychological, historical and cultural contexts.

Her earlier experimentations were with graphite on paper, but over the last three years, she has evolved into working with both digital and traditional media, primarily acrylic and oil on canvas.

She has participated in different workshops and exhibitions in Nigeria, including the ‘ElectHer Obinrin’ Exhibition 2021, the iDesign Art 2019 Exhibition, Rele Arts Foundation’s Young Contemporaries Boot camp 2021, Angels and Muse’s ‘What about love’ 2022 exhibition and Dica Art Spectrum 2022 exhibition.

She also volunteers to teach art to young talents in her spare time, with an ongoing partnership with Roberts Charity Foundation. Fagbemi received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (first class honours) from the Covenant University (2018).