Art-at-Ouida is a walk-through exhibition space, showing accessible, contemporary artworks that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Utilising the three floors of the newly-refurbished Ouida, this exhibition takes you on a journey through the Arts. At Ouida, you are sure to find something to fall in love with.
Curator’s Note
The most popular paintings throughout history usually have women and everyday activities as their subject matter. Perhaps it is the innate beauty they embody upon close observation that serve as inspiration for most artists. Sometimes it is the underrepresentation and marginalisation that draw the artist’s attention. With this exhibition, we take it a step further to not just select paintings that fit particular subject matters but to also showcase talented artists who paint what could someday become masterpieces regardless of their gender and background.
This month we present eighteen artworks that extend true-to-life depictions of mostly female forms and everyday scenes to less realistic depictions of our daily lives using traditional mediums – watercolour, acrylic and oil. Seyi Akinwumi, Faith Okorodudu and Dennis Onofua all depict a “likeness” to reality with representational and non-recognisable paintings alike.
In “All Heroes Wear Capes”, Seyi Akinwumi shows a woman tired and worn out from the day’s activities. Her gaze to the floor is somewhat passive and possibly a metaphor for her position in life. The artist, however, counters this mood with the inscription, “HEROES”, on her subject’s top to perhaps elevate the role of this working woman and the larger role that women play in our society. Her use of colour for the painting is rather dim but the overall message is unmissable.
Faith Okorodudu’s use of vibrant colours as seen in “Hold Strong II” is commendable as she captures her vulnerable subject in “the best light”. Her medium and composition express the complexity faced by her subject but her use of colour and even title of the painting assures the viewer of a “better days” for the subject and other women.
Dennis Onofua’s depiction of the female form is soft, sensual and fascinating even where his subjects’ moods appear gloomy and withdrawn. His subject’s profile in “Love Again?” is relatable – as the artist beautifully highlights features that heighten her appeal and attractiveness.
In all, the works give us an honest glimpse of often underrepresented people and places. The onus lies on us to brush up our awareness of how these subjects fit into our society as the artists have documented and enmeshed their paintings with important messages.
The show is on view through April 30, 2022 at Ouida Lagos.
Seun Alli
Curator and Founder, JCAA
