Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery presents ‘Fragments of Reality’, by Ken Nwadiogbu, on display until November 25th.

Ken Nwadiogbu, born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1994, is a Nigerian artist studying painting at the Royal College of Art in London. Initially trained as a civil engineer, he has expanded his artistic scope to include conceptual pieces and hyperrealism. His work explores themes like black representation, identity, displacement, and socio-political influence, offering a unique perspective and challenging viewers to question their beliefs.

‘Fragments of Reality’ delves into Nwadiogbu’s journey of acclimatizing to London life, fostering a sense of belonging, and his nostalgic yearning for home. Curated by Dolly Kola-Balogun in partnership with Retro Africa, the exhibition features photographs of friends, family, and fellow members of the Black immigrant community in the UK.

Nwadiogbu’s creative process involves applying paint onto the canvas, allowing the dance of colors, emotional state, and the studio’s musical backdrop to guide his movements. The intense color palette amplifies the sense of liminality, capturing the spiritual realm and the essence of the experience. The artist’s art is a conduit for sparking profound human connections and transcending societal, cultural, and political barriers. His paintings resonate particularly with the lived experiences of Black immigrants in the UK, but they universally celebrate and remind us of our shared humanity.

Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery showcases emerging and established international artists with strong theoretical and aesthetic foundations, valuing multicultural curatorial approaches and global connections.

Source: Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery.