By Damiete Braide
Windsor Gallery Lagos is currently celebrating the resilience of eight contemporary female artists who have continued to shape and influence the artistic landscape and the visual art discourse and inspiring generations to come through their works with a group exhibition entitled “Modern Matriarchs: Charting New Frontiers in Art” at 4C, Goriola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The artists are Chuma Adam (South Africa), Samuella Graham (Ghana), Chinaza Nkemka (Nigeria), Osaru Obaseki (Nigeria), Gbonjubola Obatuyi (Nigeria), Chigozie Obi (Nigeria), Simhle Plaatjies (South Africa), and Kristine Tsala (Cameroon). The exhibition runs till March 9, 2024.
“Modern Matriarchs: Charting New Frontiers in Art” is an inspiring exhibition that pays homage to the indomitable spirit of women who have left an indelible mark on the canvas of visual art. Curated by Richard Vedelago and Seun Alli for the gallery’s Lagos location, it’s an exploration of the profound contributions made by female artists who have not only embraced but redefined the landscape of new artistic forms.
Merging contemporary artists of international repute whose aesthetic practices have bold expressions and innovative techniques, the exhibition includes paintings and works on paper by these artists.
The term “matriarch” conjures images of strength, wisdom, and leadership within familial contexts. Throughout the exhibition, works by Chinaza Nkemka stress the awareness a contemporary woman achieves through subjective reflection of her body and life experiences.
Osaru Obaseki merges abstraction and figuration with a synergy of materials (sand and acrylic) as a way of also binding ancient and modern civilisations.
Gbonjubola Obatuyi exhibits works that give thought to both real and constructed notions of what being a woman entails – a laborious process that merges traditional fabric weaving methods with acrylic drips and pixelated painting techniques.
The figurative paintings by Chigozie Obi, who is also based in Nigeria, emphasise conversations with self, others, and our society at large. Her work reflects her profound fascination with these enduring dialogues about human life, mental health, beauty standards, and more. Other artists on view who work outside of Nigeria also add their voices and analogies through both ambitious abstract and figurative compositions.
Chuma Adam’s deft use of abstract forms challenges themes of visibility or lack thereof, as she attempts to narrate the intangible complexities of navigating one’s path. The portraits by Samuel Graham are an ode to her pixelated signature style reminiscent of her graphic design background. She skillfully combines realism, abstraction, and surrealism to explore themes like women’s experiences and our connection with nature.
Simhle Plaatjies’ large-scale paintings are a source of inspiration – often stenciling elements of nature onto the work in combination with features comparable to those of a bull. Overall, her works are an invitation for people to connect with their inner divinity.
Kristine Tsala’s new visual character, “the giraffe woman” is colourful, elegant, and bold yet unassuming. “This a Woman” that takes charge of her socio-political struggles; acts as a sentinel for others and primarily serves as an artistic identity for the artist. Kristine’s practice highlights themes of difference and self-acceptance but most of all celebrate the individual woman.
As we navigate the works of “Modern Matriarchs” we embark on a visual journey that transcends geographical boundaries and temporal constraints. The showcased artworks, carefully curated from diverse corners of the globe, reflect the nuanced perspectives of each artist. From bold strokes that defy conformity to intricate detailing that invites contemplation, the pieces collectively narrate a story of resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to artistic exploration.
The exhibition title itself, “Modern Matriarchs”, invites contemplation on the role of women not only as creators of art but as architects of new possibilities within the art world. Each artwork becomes a brushstroke in a larger narrative, echoing the voices of those who have dared to challenge, re-imagine, and define modern values on their terms.
According to the organisers, “Charting New Frontiers in Art”, the sub-theme of the exhibition, aims to showcase how these artists have expanded the boundaries of creative expression. Through diverse mediums, techniques, and subjects, they have ventured into unexplored territories, leaving an enduring impact on the trajectory of contemporary art.”