In Conversation with Adaeze Okaro; How to Apply to Art Competitions as an Emerging Artist; Lesley Lokko and Alimi Adewale’s Most Recent Artistic Achievements
“My life’s been a riot of color, all thanks to my vibrant upbringing. My mom’s eclectic fashion sense and our home, a kaleidoscope of hues, sparked my artistic journey. I’m irresistibly drawn to natural light photography; it’s like painting with sunlight, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of the world. My distinct use of color and light is a window into my past, a canvas of my experiences and personal observations.”
Self-taught photographer Adaeze Okaro is an artist to look out for. With her adept use and knowledge of color, composition, and mood, Adaeze Okaro discusses how she addresses contemporary issues within African societies in a conversation with Omenai.
Read more about the conversation here.
It is a new year and this means that as an artist, some of your goals include getting visibility for your art and advancing your art career. Applying to art competitions is an excellent way to achieve this and also grow as an artist. We understand that the application process can be daunting, which is why in our most recent article, Tips for Applying to Art Competitions as an Emerging Artist, we shared some general tips for applying to art competitions. We also made a short list of annual art competitions you should check out.
1-54 New York 2023. Courtesy of 1-54.
Read the full article here.
Lesley Lokko Receives Royal Gold Medal 2024 for Architecture
Professor Lesley Lokko. Courtesy of Debra Hurford-Brown/RIBA
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced that Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, author, and curator, Lesley Lokko will receive the Royal Gold Medal 2024 for architecture. Presented on behalf of His Majesty the King, this medal is one of the world’s highest honours in architecture. The medal recognizes Lokko’s commitment to championing diverse approaches to architectural practice and education.
Professor Lesley Lokko OBE is the Founder and Director of the African Futures Institute (AFI), established in Accra, Ghana in 2021. She graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL in 1992 before earning a PhD in architecture in 2007 from the University of London. In December 2021, she was appointed as Curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia. In December 2022, she was awarded an OBE in the first New Year’s Honours List by King Charles III, ‘for services to architecture and education.’
Artist Spotlight: Alimi Adewale
Alimi Adewale (b. 1974) is a Nigerian artist whose practice revolves around exploring African heritage, identity, and the human experience. In his exploration of painting and sculpting as a medium, he invites viewers to connect with Africa’s past, present, and future as he highlights urban issues and the lives of everyday people in cities. With his art, he strives to foster dialogue and cultural exchange as he celebrates the beauty and resilience of the African spirit, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Adewale’s works have been exhibited at Anima Gallery Doha, Belvedere Artspace Beirut, Galleri Astley Uttersberg, and ODA Art Gallery. He has also been featured in art fairs around the world with Nil Gallery Paris.
Recently, Hong Kong and Shanghai-based gallery Pearl Lam Galleries announced that they would be representing Alimi Adewale as part of the gallery’s efforts to expand its roster and foster an international dialogue. A selection of his works was presented at this year’s edition of ART SG this January. His work will be shown at the forthcoming artgenève 2024 alongside Zanele Muholi ( South Africa), Babajide Olatunji (Nigeria), and Deborah Segun (Nigeria), amongst others.
On view:
The Long Way Home: The first-ever presentation of Chelenge Van Rampelberg’s works for the entirety of her career at NCAI, Rosslyn Riviera, Nairobi. (November 2, 2023 - February 17, 2024)
Refuge: The 2024 edition of the Lagos Biennial will take place at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. (February 3 - February 10, 2024)
Floating Souls: Engdaye Lemma’s first solo exhibition at Addis Fine Art London. (January 18 - February 17, 2024)
Engdaye Lemma. Heavenly Creatures. 2023. Mixed media on canvas. 130 x 150 cm. Courtesy of Addis Fine Art London.
