Since its launch in 2018, Dada Gallery (formerly POLARTICS) has been doing the important work of representing an exciting roster of emerging artists from Africa. By amplifying the voices of artists from the continent that explore a range of themes from socio-economic issues to sexuality, DADA Gallery is paving the way for a much more refreshing art ecosystem.
Their latest presentation is visual artist Bunmi Agusto’s Escape To Within, the artist’s first solo exhibition, which opens today at Cromwell Place, London. Featuring 18 new works, Agusto’s Escape To Within depicts a surrealist wonderland called ‘Within’, where hybrid figures and human beings navigate the landscape.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and living in England from the age of sixteen, Agusto became aware of the two worlds she inhabited as a Nigerian living in England and began to explore the ways in which different cultures interact with each other, as well as within themselves. Speaking to Art Plugged she says, “I always say I became Black when I moved to England because Blackness is a reflected state. In Nigeria, I didn’t have to think of the ramifications of the colour of my skin on a daily basis but I did in England. Essentially, I became an alien in both lands because I was Black and Nigerian in England and in Nigeria, I was westernized.”
Armed with an in-depth study of cultural theory and a fan of science-fiction, Agusto’s works are fantastical depictions of Nigerian culture and identity, enabling her to create worlds using cultural elements that are integral to her consciousness. She cites The Sims, Toyin Oji Odutola and Njideka Akunyil Crosby as just a few of her influences and inspirations.
Bunmi Agusto (source: artist’s Instagram page)
In Escape To Within, Agusto uses pastel pencil, chalk and mixed media to depict the surreal world ‘Within’ that was created from her mind. In this world, indigenous inhabitants are hybrid figures whose human forms are interwoven with cultural elements such as braids, palm trees and religious iconography. In contrast, non-hybrid figures are immigrants in this world and are represented as human forms from Agusto’s daily life. With these two figures (hybrid and non-hybrid)present, but kept apart, in ‘Within’, Agusto toys with the multiple forms of identity that can co-exist alongside each other.
Bunmi Agusto (source: artist’s Instagram)
The art space is overwhelmingly dominated by male artists and talent, often pushing its female contemporaries into the shadows. Fortunately, we’re seeing an uptick in more female artists and representation emerge on the scene. Agustos’ first solo exhibition, Escape To Within, is a welcome treat to witness and we’re excited to witness all that’s to come from her.
You can reserve a spot here to visit the exhibition.
