AG18-gallery’s mission at this years PARALLEL Art fair is to offer the emerging art scene a platform, bring underrepresented international voices to Vienna and facilitate inspiring cross fertilization and dialog between local and global art communities. We focus especially on seven young West-African artists with various approaches, styles and techniques – artists to be discovered.
Olarinde Ayanfe is a self-taught multimedia artist born in 1996, whose work explores emotions, self-discovery, and societal themes through scribbling, photography, and mixed media. Her art, characterized by crooked lines and varying thicknesses, finds beauty in imperfection, reflecting life’s order in chaos.
Boris Anje, a Cameroonian artist, is known for his vibrant Neo-Pop Art paintings that celebrate the fashionable black body, exploring themes of identity and global consumer culture. His dynamic works feature stylish black figures in contemporary settings, emphasizing their beauty and challenging conventional perceptions.
Leuna Njiele Noumbimboo from Cameroon presents a holistic worldview, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, exploring themes of balance and interconnectedness.
Taye Erewele tackles themes of femininity as an existential journey, challenging societal stereotypes and emphasizing the interconnectedness of human experiences. Her realist approach narrates the lives of ordinary Nigerians, reflecting on existence, femininity, and the human condition.
Famakan Magassa, a Malian artist, combines social satire with sensitive depictions of life, focusing on themes like power relations, personal freedom, and emotional ambivalence. His works draw inspiration from the Kourédougas, mysterious ritual dancers, using their symbolism to express dignity and beauty.
Damilola Moses Opedun, from Lagos, Nigeria, explores human emotions and identity through his paintings, juxtaposing contemporary and historical elements to convey themes of pride, resilience, and hope. His works aim to reshape collective memory, urging a reimagining of our past to foster true progress.
Source: AG18 Gallery
