Retro Africa: UN-TOLD (Upper Floor)

Artists: Habeeb Andu, Vanessa Endeley, Ayanfe Olarinde, Raji Bamidele, Doofan Kwaghhool and Rotimi Williams.

About Exhibition:

Retro Africa is pleased to present, 'un-TOLD', a contemporary art exhibition. This exhibition unravels untold stories by six emerging artists through the lens of Fine Art. Our focus on narratives of meaning weaves together a kaleidoscope of experiences scrutinising the socio- political, the religious, questions on self-discovery, consent and intimacy. 

Habeeb Andu’s “Headline” series highlights the impact of negative headlines in our news and its effect on the public; drawing parallels between the stories we read and the sense of despair that permeates society at large. 

Vanessa Endeley’s photography counters Andu’s macro level analysis with individualised portraits obscuring the tales that lie beneath the blindfold, questioning the roles our eyes play in offering a glimpse into the depth beneath the preliminary façade. Further, Ayanfe Olarinde’s “2020 A.D (Or After Christ)” explores the effects of religious sacrilege/doctrinal corruption in the church and the impact of false Charismatic leaders on their congregants who are led astray: “Visionaries of the gospel marked by halos of false practices.... A double jeopardy for the people.” 

The “Ajeri Alawodudu (Dear Black Witness)” series by Raji Bamidele is a homage to the Black race, offering a window through which we observe their shared experiences and struggles in shattering an ever elusive glass ceiling. In contrast to Endeley the eyes are his centre of focus, urging the audience to deconstruct the narratives within. 

Doofan Kwaghhool and Rotimi Williams present a selection of works from various series in their portfolio; notable highlights are Kwaghhool’s “Two Wills” and Williams’ “The Kings Guard”; The former an exploration of the patriarchy’s grip on the foundation of traditional society, sexual consent and the battle of wills in our tales of intimacy, and the latter an embodiment of trust, sacrifice and strength within the palace.

About Gallery:
Retro Africa is a contemporary art gallery based in Abuja, Nigeria, that was created in 2015 as a community of art enthusiasts, curators and collectors, headed by founder and creative director Dolly Kola-Balogun. We provide a platform for emerging and established contemporary artists, with an emphasis on African art. Through a range of outlets such as exhibitions, art fairs, intercultural dialogues and our online media. Our ethos is centred on a desire to spread awareness and encourage a cycle of growth and learning within the African art scene. 
Retro Africa equally organises public outreach programs, workshops and residencies in collaboration with our partners in the industry, aimed at sensitising the younger generation to the merits of visual arts, their career options and potential global influence. 

Link to Gallery:
https://www.retroafrica.art