Eclectica Contemporary presents ‘No Prisoners, Only Trophies’, a group show by Samson Bakare, Ebuka Pascal Agudiegwu, Kelani Fatai and Ian Banja, on display until July 31st.
Born in 1993, Nigerian artist Samson Bakare draws from a diverse range of disciplines in his work. His work emphasizes the black identity and values, set against both modern and historical backdrops. His art often includes blank-faced portraits of African men and women striving for cultural liberation. Bakare describes his work as a ‘time machine’, providing a unique perspective on the past and future.
Ebuka Pascal Agudiegwu, born in Kano, Nigeria in 1997, is a self-taught Nigerian artist, who explores life, human relationships, and nature through his vibrant palette and diverse materials. His figurative paintings celebrate life, friendship, and love, while also addressing social issues like black inferiority complex, gender equality, and racism. Agudiegwu’s work inspires joy and encourages thoughtful reflection on these complex issues.
Nigerian artist Kelani Fatai, hailing from Mushin, Lagos, discovered his drawing passion at six. Drawing inspiration from nature and his surroundings, he uses them metaphorically in his versatile impressionist and realist artwork. Prolific in various mediums, including oil, acrylic, pastel, water color, and charcoal, Fatai creates according to his imagination.
Ian Banja is a self-taught artist from Nairobi, Kenya. Driven by his passion for growth, he captures the struggles and triumphs of everyday life through diverse subjects. Portraiture and the experiences of his subjects captivate his artistic focus. His style reflects an intimate exploration of self-discovery.
Cynics view Black Portraiture as a passing trend, akin to ‘tulipomania.’ Yet, it cannot be simply dismissed, particularly in America where it plays a crucial role amidst a budding civil war and a threat to democracy. The depiction of Black Bodies and Lives in art is a powerful tool to counter these threats. The exhibiting artists have embraced Ralph Ellison’s challenge in his iconic quote about being ‘invisible’ due to societal indifference. It embodies a refusal to be overlooked and expresses a fervent desire for recognition – a testimony and a tribute to love.
Eclectica Contemporary aims to present a carefully selected and focused collection of art from the continent that interrogates issues facing us in a globalized world. The art at Eclectica Contemporary often showcases practices and materials from art history but which push these boundaries and explore uncharted territories of representation, technique and theory.
Source: Eclectica Contemporary.
