With anchors, group explores identity as grounding force

Fresco Gallery has unveiled its latest exhibition, Anchors, featuring a diverse group of young, contemporary artists.

The exhibition showcases monoprints and limited editions by artists at different stages of their careers, all delving into the technical aspects of printmaking.

Speaking on the exhibition, Fresco Gallery founder, Ima Ekpo, explained, “Anchors is a group exhibition of monoprints and limited editions by young, contemporary artists at different stages of their careers, all exploring technical printmaking. The theme leans into the role of identity as a grounding force, and I think it’s a very special theme for artists to explore because, for many artists, identity is central to their practice.”

The show aims to engage visitors on two levels: “On one level, you experience the power of narrative and storytelling in art as a way to connect with people and bring them in. On another level, inviting them to get curious about the mediums,” she added.

Featuring three Nigerian artists and two international artists of African descent, Anchors highlights the diversity of approaches to printmaking. Each artist in the exhibition explores different mediums—or in some cases, multiple mediums—while maintaining their unique signature styles. Together, they deliver a powerful message of self-exploration and the importance of owning one’s story.

Running from August 10 to September 15, 2024, at Miliki in Victoria Island, Lagos, the exhibition underscores Fresco Gallery’s mission to elevate printmaking in Africa and create a space where both art lovers and collectors can engage with contemporary African art on a deeper level.