Ibrahim Bamidele, Divinations
The African Art Hub (TAAH) is thrilled to announce its participation in the esteemed 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, New York, Strength In The Silent Storm, will showcase the unique and captivating works of Ibrahim Bamidele and Reggie Khumalo. These two artists, whose dedication to their craft is truly inspiring, are celebrated for their ability to create profound visual narratives, each with their distinct style and perspective.
At booth 32, TAAH will create an immersive experience, transforming the space into a vibrant community of subjects with deep melanin skin tones. This highly interactive setting will not only invite viewers to engage with the rich and diverse narratives depicted in Bamidele and Khumalo's paintings but also to become a part of the narrative themselves. They are united in their dedication to showcasing resilient, melanated figures and societal engagement.
Ibrahim Bamidele, Private Space
Bamidele's work, inspired by his Nigerian heritage, uses sharp hues and Ankara fabrics to address political, religious, and societal themes. Through his portraiture, he is not just creating art but reclaiming narratives erased from European art history, affirming Africans' integral role in reclaiming their identity. This powerful act of reclamation invites all to feel empowered and represented.
Reggie Khumalo, Imperfection is Perfection
Khumalo's artistic journey, sparked by a two-year motorcycle expedition across Africa, captures the continent's landscapes and cultures with vivid authenticity. His commitment to philanthropy is evident in his efforts to provide education for disadvantaged children, a cause deeply intertwined with his artistic practice.
Both artists reference contemporary African social realism through the layering of brushstrokes, reinventing enigmatic characters, lifestyles, and perspectives. The exhibition intends to instill a sense of pride by capturing the spirit of struggle and honour, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue about identity, resilience, and collective strength.
Reggie Khumalo, Never Alone I
By using rich hues to anchor their skin tone depiction, the artists seek a new way to communicate identity, representation, and perceptions of beauty. They challenge negative associations with darkness by equating it with royalty, opulence, beauty, wealth, and strength. Bamidele's Ankara-inspired paintings and Khumalo's figures adorned in luxurious clothing connote a global association with status, where blackness is elevated as much as a source of aesthetic beauty as a source of intelligence and resilience. Both artists use vibrant colors and intricate details to tell African stories, prompting reflections on contemporary issues. The exhibition highlights the impact of present-day Africans on history, depicting figures yearning for freedom, visibility, and empowerment. In the captivating artworks, resilience and defiance coexist with symbols of serenity and strength, creating a powerful narrative.
Ibrahim Bamidele, Unfeign Love
The Art Fair will take place at the Starrett Lehigh Building located at 255 11th Avenue, providing the perfect backdrop for the captivating portraits of Bamidele and Khumalo. Each painting is as fiercely individual as it is intimately collective, exuding nuanced attention to detail and inviting viewers into a world of coolness, confidence, and fearlessness.
Strength In The Silent Storm is more than just an exhibition; it celebrates the African narrative. It promises to be a standout event at 1-54 New York, offering visitors an immersive experience that not only celebrates the beauty, resilience, and diversity of this narrative but also invites you to feel a deep sense of pride and connection. We invite you to join us in this celebration.
Do visit TAAH's booth at 1-54 New York or contact info@taah.co.uk for more information.
