A-ARTs: For rare art, Signature Beyond converges Ekwere, Raheem, Olarenwaju

'Kiss the Bride' (stained Apa wood, H86 x W26 x D35cm, dated 2024) by Alli Raheem.

WHEN Ebong Ekwere, Alli Raheem and Adeniyi Olarenwaju opens their exhibition titled after the names of the artists, from October 19-26, 2024, at Signature Beyond Art Gallery, 107, Awolowo Road Ikoyi Lagos. Kiss The Bride

Stained Apa Wood

H 86 X W26 X D35CM

2024

In its Gallery Statement, Signature Beyond assured that the artists' rare convergence of sculptures and paintings will deodorise the Lagos art landscape, particularly during the ongoing Lagos art season.

"Signature Beyond Art Gallery is delighted to present Interwoven Forms, a dual exhibition of sculptures by the talented artists Alli Raheem and Ebong Ekwere," the gallery stated. "This exhibition is a celebration of the dynamic potential of sculpture as an art form, showcasing the artists’ unique interpretations of human experience and cultural identity through meticulously carved wooden forms."

Excerpts from Signature Beyond: "Alli Raheem’s pieces, in contrast, explore the more complex intersections of form and texture. His sculptures are rich with layered meanings and intricate details, balancing both geometric and organic shapes Alli Raheem’s bold approach to carving results in powerful forms that speak to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Each work exudes a strong presence, utilizing the natural qualities of wood—its grain, texture, and warmth—to articulate themes of unity, resilience, and identity.

"Ebong Ekwere’s works are characterized by their sleek contours and minimalist yet evocative compositions. His sculptures, with their flowing lines and abstract shapes, capture the essence of movement and emotion. Ebong Ekwere’s mastery of the medium reveals itself in his ability to imbue seemingly static forms with a sense of fluidity and rhythm, creating pieces that appear almost to dance within the space they occupy. His sculptures evoke a meditative calmness and invite the viewer to engage in an introspective dialogue.

"Presented together, the sculptures of Raheem and Ekwere transform the gallery space into an arena of interplay between solidity and motion, simplicity and complexity. The exhibition offers a compelling dialogue between two artists who, while distinct in their styles, share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary African sculpture. Through this showcase, Interwoven Forms invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between tradition and modernity, and to appreciate the power of sculpture to convey meaning beyond the surface."

On Olarenwaju's works, Signature Beyond noted that the artist captures the essence of Modern and Contemporary African Art, also using his themes to challenge traditional artistic paradigms. The gallery stated that Olarenwaju’s artworks reveal a profound engagement with texture, structure, and form—each piece embodying a meticulous exploration of visual storytelling and abstraction.

Excerpts from Signature Beyond: "This exhibition delves into Olarenwaju’s ongoing conversation with themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the shared human experience. Through a compelling combination of abstract shapes and figurative elements, the artist conjures up an intricate world of layered interpretations and nuanced emotions. His vivid use of colors and interlocking patterns invites the viewer to navigate through a complex landscape that is simultaneously familiar and surreal.

"At Signature Beyond Art Gallery, we celebrate artists who push the boundaries of contemporary visual culture, and Olarenwaju’s work exemplifies this spirit of innovation. His paintings serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, reflecting the dynamism and vibrancy of African art today. We are excited to offer our audience the opportunity to engage deeply with his artistic journey and the narratives embedded within each canvas.

"This exhibition is more than just a display of skill—it’s a testament to the power of art to communicate, provoke, and inspire. We hope that as you walk through this exhibition, you experience the thought-provoking beauty and intricate storytelling that are hallmarks of Adeniyi Olarenwaju’s work."

Ekwere, 63, was formally trained with Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts, majoring in Sculpture, from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, in 1985. He worked with the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and National Orientation in Abuja, where he retired as a Chief Executive Officer.

Ekwere works with wood and metal in two broad representational styles: an academic mode through which he produces striking portraits of Nigerian personages, and a more stylized expression where he exaggerates several facets of his figures to achieve rhythm and movement.

Raheem had his formal training at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, where he got Higher National Diploma in 2013. He has established a distinguished career as a full-time studio artist. His art has been showcased in numerous commissioned projects, exhibited both nationally and internationally.

Olarenwaju, born in 1996, is known for his eclectic mix of urban themes and pseudo-digital renditions that reflect humanity’s struggle for survival in its environment. He received informal training under the tutelage of the renowned master Duke Asidere. Olanrewaju has embarked on a journey to articulate his own struggles within the landscape of his birthplace, overcoming numerous obstacles to reach the pinnacle of his chosen career path.

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