Exploring the World of Wearable African Art; In Conversation with Olasunkanmi Akomolehin; and FNB Art Joburg 2023
“Olasunkanmi Akomolehin’s work in the studio is guided by his observations of the world around him. His subjects are often distorted and heavily backdropped by vibrantly coloured floral patterns. Using oil and acrylic on canvas, they are portrayed as diverse and authentic to peel apart the facade of his subject’s emotions.”
The Omenai team had a chat with Nigerian artist Olasunkanmi Akomolehin about what inspires his art, the wonder that goes into his practice, and the emotions he conveys in his work.
Read more about the conversation here.
“Between African visual art and slow fashion, wearable art is pushing the boundaries of traditional design, redefining the concept of luxury and style, and paving the way for a creative revolution on a local and global scale.”
In our most recent article, ‘Off the Wall: Exploring the World of Wearable African Art,’ we examine the world of wearable African Art, a dynamic and interactive art form that is changing the way we think about and experience art and fashion.’
Read the article here.
FNB Art Joburg 2023
Based in Johannesburg, Africa’s leading and longest-running contemporary art fair, FNB Art Joburg will return to Sandton Convention Centre for its 16th edition from September 7 to 10, 2023.
Artist Spotlight: Edozie Anedu
Edozie Anedu is a self-taught Nigerian artist. Working primarily with oils, acrylics, pastels, and recycled materials, Anedu’s paintings employ elemental forms and figures that verge on the abstract. He references graffiti and mural art traditions to focus his work on popular culture, music and fashion, socio-political ideologies, and the human condition. His work combines innocence, trial and error, memory and melancholy.
Anedu has been commissioned by Oluwatosin Ajibade - also known as Mr. Eazi - to make works corresponding to singles on his latest album. Other artists on the list include Contonou-based artist Dominique Zinkpe, Edozie Anedu from Lagos and the Texas-based Cameroonian artist Sesse Elangwe.
On view:
Transtemporal Travel: A group exhibition at Nomadic Art Gallery. (July 16 - August 12, 2023)
Otherscapes - Four installations by four contemporary South African artists, Siemon Allen, Wim Botha, Sethembile Msezane and Nicholas Hlobo. (June 28 – November 4, 2023)
The Dance of People and the Natural World - Nengi Omuku's solo exhibition at Hastings Contemporary. (October 7, 2023 - March 3, 2024)
