Berntson Bhattacharjee presents ‘Islands of the Blessed’, by Sola Olulode, on display until February 17th.

Sola Olulode, a London-based artist, born in 1996, graduated with a BA in Fine Art Painting from the University of Brighton in 2018. Her solo exhibition, ‘Could You Be Love,’ was featured at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in 2022. She has participated in group exhibitions and gained recognition from Art Historian Aindrea Emelife in 2021 for a limited edition print and a ‘Bold, Black, British’ exhibition at Christie’s in London.

‘Islands of the Blessed’ explores a utopian realm where individuals can express love without judgment. The exhibition pays tribute to parks and gardens as sanctuaries for the LGBTQIA+ community. Olulode’s inspiration for the pieces came from a 2021 visit to Barbados, where she experienced a vibrant culture and a sense of liberation. Her work incorporates the Caribbean’s vibrant colors and explores themes of love, desire, and tragedy. The “blessed” characters exude a spiritual euphoria, capturing the essence of divine tranquility and the subtleties of falling in love. Olulode also skillfully integrates Nigerian historical and cultural elements, particularly textile traditions, using dyeing techniques to add depth and vibrancy to her paintings. Her work encapsulates intersectionality and the complexities of human experience.

Berntson Bhattacharjee Gallery, founded in 2020, celebrates contemporary emerging artists in London and Stockholm, offering collectors opportunities to support their diverse roster of talented artists, focusing on their long-term goals.

Source: Berntson Bhattacharjee