Imitable Talent Reaches New Horizons

International Mon 21-03-2011

Imitable Talent Reaches New Horizons
By a Correspondent

The Arc Gallery will commence its 2011 series of art exhibitions with ‘Horizons’: a show that spotlights recent works by Ayoola Gbolahan.

The work of this Nigerian abstract expressionist painter is known throughout his homeland for its unpretentious frankness, textured surfaces and audacious use of colour.

^{Carpricon by Ayoola Gbolahan}

As our first exhibition of 2011, along with setting the benchmark for the coming year, ‘Horizons’ also marks significant milestones in the artist’s own career; it is his first British solo show.

Arc Gallery continues to showcase some of the best contemporary African and Diaspora artists. It is our aim that this exhibition will play a key role in sharing in the pleasure and appreciation of Gbolahan work - extending the horizons of the British art scene.

Gbolahan work maximises the communicative power of the human figure. He places his elementary and colourful figures in close proximity on the canvas without undue concern over factors such as perspective, temporal or physical setting.

Instead, the abstractly depicted main character in his ‘stories’ surround themselves with symbols and motifs that convey issues such as aggression, religion, heritage, sexuality and social relationships.

His figurative abstraction often endows his paintings with a sense of recognition across a universal spectrum, yet at the same time, expressing an uncanny sense of mysterious wonder. These are just a few of the fine qualities that art lovers will appreciate in Gbolahan, whose striking work is very much suffused with cultural significance and meaning.

‘Horizons’ at the arc Gallery opens to the public on Friday 8th April 2011 until Tuesday 3rd May 2011.

Private View: Thursday 7th April 2011, 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Exhibition Continues: Friday 8th April 2011 until Tuesday 3rd May 2011

Arc Gallery: Barge Belle, 11 Hale Wharf, Ferry Lane, London N17 9NF

Artist Biography:

Ayoola Gbolahan was born in Nigeria on August 11th 1977. He earned a B.A. Ed. in Fine and Applied Art from Obafemi Awolowo University (Adeyemi College of Education) Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria, during which time he specialised in painting.

His work explores views of human growth, capturing the emotional content and of personal journeys. Ayoola often works figuratively, utilising forms that represent emotions such as confidence, devotion, pain, and wonder. In 2002, Ayoola studied under the renowned artist Tola Wewe as a studio apprentice.

In 2007, his painting Catalonia was collected for the National Gallery of Arts, Nigeria, and in 2008 he was named among the Top 10 winners in the ‘Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit’ art competition. ‘Horizons’ at arc Gallery is his first British solo exhibition.

Agree in Wisdom by Ayoola Gbolahan

^{Agree in Wisdom}

About Arc:

Arc is a centre dedicated to the appreciation of the arts, with a specialist interest and knowledge of promoting modern and contemporary African and Diaspora art.

Arc Gallery is wheelchair friendly and located on a converted long boat within the Upper Lee Valley (Tottenham Hale Wharf). This is an area currently undergoing an urban renaissance, with beautiful nature walks, restaurants and conveniently located just 5 minutes away from Tottenham Hale underground/over ground stations, major bus routes, with free parking spaces. The arc gallery is already a “must stop” destination or art lovers.

For more information please contact arc at:

John Egbo – arc artistic director
www.artarc–collective.com
john@artarc–collective.com
M: +44(0)7988 802 314 - John Egbo
t: +44(0) 208 885 1252 – arc head office
t: +44(0) 208 808 7741 - arc Gallery

Posted By: Maggie Otieno

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