"The body of work for this exhibition is to highlight Black beauty, as I draw inspiration from post-colonial narratives; questioning how we represent ourselves in Black portraiture. I think that in the same way that bodies carry with them a sense of identity and place, so does the physicality of the traditional fabric’s charged resonance. "
Suraj Adekola
Kanbi Projects is thrilled to present 'How Beautiful We Were (Are)', the fourth edition in its Launchpad series, featuring a series of works by UK-based Nigerian artist, Suraj Adekola.
In this exhibition, Adekola explores the entangled histories of Black identity and the British Empire through the use of oil bars, drawing and the Adire fabric on canvas. Informed by post-colonial narratives and his research into works of prominent theorists Stuart Hall, Kehinde Andrew, and Franz Fanon, Adekola's art invites viewers on a journey that dissects the past while promoting a resilient and dynamic black identity.
This exhibition is the fourth edition in our Launchpad series, an exclusive online-only exhibition providing emerging and established artists with a solo collaboration with the gallery.
Visit our Online Viewing Room and exhibition page on Artsy to view the exhibition.
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SURAJ ADEKOLA