Eclectica Contemporary presents works by Ayogu Kingsley and Nedia Were, on display unitl August 1st.

Ayogu Kingsley, a Nigerian artist born in 1994 in Enugu, displayed early artistic talent and began painting at age eight. He earned his Trade Test in Painting and Decorating after gaining statewide recognition by creating art for local politicians during secondary school. Kingsley’s portraits exude a calm and confident demeanor, characterized by elegant figures and a unique color palette. His works, deeply rooted in his African heritage, extend an invitation rather than a demand for attention, due to their casual, effortless allure.

Kenyan self-taught artist Nedia Were, born in 1989, based in Nairobi, began his artistic journey by drawing cartoons from print media during his childhood, focusing on reinterpreting them in his own style. Over time, he has refined his skills in oil painting and portraiture. Were’s work explores the representation of African figures in the art world, particularly within educational institutions and Art History. Through recurring motifs of the human figure in his paintings, he critically examines conventional concepts of beauty, western interpretations of aesthetic standards, and their intersections with politics and society.

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.