A new art exhibition is on display at Gida Collective with works from the talented artist Flo Awolaja. Making Stories Telling Tales is an expression of freedom from oppressors.
The body of work is taken from many sources inspired by “the journey of our ancestors from the shores of Afrika” stretching to include the role of the UK and the birth of the Commonwealth as appropriation of the wealth of other continents, and people, Afrika, The Caribbean and parts of Asia.
Born to parents of Nigerian heritage, much of the artist’s work is attributed to the culture into which she was born, growing up surrounded by the vibrant colours of her mother’s collection of African fabrics.
“I have been inspired by a number of influential black artists including contemporary Nigerian artist Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye,
African-American graphic artist and sculptor Elizabeth Catlett,
Haydon Palmer, William H Johnson, and Peju Alatise. Along with
Edward Hopper, Gerhard Richter, Egon Schiele, and The late
Howard Hodgkin. Taking a new direction in printmaking is “testament to my artistic and cultural eclecticism”.
“My use of fabrics creates abstract compositions, that hark back to West-African traditions of using textiles as a means of commemoration and communication, taking them and placing them in a contemporary setting.”
This exhibition is a vibrant celebration reminding us that narrative is not always verbal, and can be explored through a range of processes telling stories that do not need words.
“As much as they demanded we assimilate and forget ourselves, we chose not to accommodate. Instead, we have maintained many of our traditions and managed to retain a sense of self.”
Making Stories Telling Tales runs from
Saturday 29th April until 6th May 2017
All works are for sale by the artist.
