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
Abstract art has always provoked strong reactions since its emergence. It has been burned, blighted and sometimes banned! Despite all these, it has effortlessly become a dominant expression of our time. This edition celebrates the varied artistic range of abstract art. It also explores the many questions that we ask about abstract art. What is it? What are its origins? What does it mean? Who is it for?
The twenty-six artworks presented in this series of “Art at Ouida” exhibitions will have us examine broad stories around their creation; the artists’ intentions; and our cultural context. All of which can be somewhat understood by taking some time to respond to our initial promptings upon sighting the pieces.
The three artist exhibition demonstrates how moving abstraction is. The combination of paintings, drawings and prints shows us the fluidity and calming hiatus that abstract art gives us from realism. Valerie Fab-Uche, Joanna ‘Adevie’ Macgregor and Oluwatoyin Oyelana have created works that have helped me curate an exhibition that directly beckons viewers to move from artwork to artwork in an exploratory manner.
Valerie Fab-Uche’s binding wire investigation series is a compelling body of work that incorporates drawing, sculpture, performance and photography. She appears to have taken her practice to a realm of science and an unusual path. A creative process which will be discussed during the artist talks.
Seun Alli
Curator and Founder, JCAA
Joanna ‘Adevie’ Macgregor invites us on a journey of intricate lines swirling in motion rendered with a minimal colour palette of blues and blacks on a white background. The lines within her works always employ a wonderful use of one dominant colour. Perhaps a metaphor for our various journeys through life – a blank canvas until the lines come in to connect our delicate and continuous existence.
The sensation of nature without vivid landscapes are a recurring theme in Oluwatoyin Oyelana’s works. Her brushstrokes and bursts of texture imbibe subtle layering that illuminate dialogues between the viewer and nature’s elements. Visual peacefulness and serene memories with lively colours are very evident in her presented works.
Simple lines, curves, and fluid movement are reflected in all the artworks. I urge you to curiously engage with the exhibited pieces even when they cannot be readily understood. The secret is to look closely and celebrate the beauty around us.
The show is on view through February 28, 2022 at Ouida Lagos.
