Nnenna Okore is one of the artists in Interwoven Histories, an exhibition of compelling mixed-media works by artists from Africa.
This exhibition looks at the creative force of the hand. Instead of using traditional artistic tools and technology, each artist weaves or moulds together stark narratives by hand.
From October 30 till November 29 in October Gallery London.
About:
Nnenna Okore’s art is inspired by the use of found objects, and by close attention to natural textures and forms. Using basic materials such as clay, newspaper, wax and rope, her tactile and highly evocative sculptures take on dramatic and unanticipated forms. Her work celebrates the transformation of discarded materials into cultural objects and spaces and brings a critical focus to bear on the consumption and recycling cultures in parts of Nigeria. She applies various repetitive and labour-intensive techniques, like weaving, twisting, sewing, dyeing, waxing and rolling, which were learned by watching villagers perform everyday tasks. These processes accentuate colours, textures and other visceral qualities of her sculptures.
Mentored by the renowned sculptor El Anatsui, Nnenna’s highly tactile works are shaped into striking forms, when displayed. Currently she is working with shapes that explore or are inspired by intimate spaces, shelters, architectural and natural environments. Her work has been exhibited at the headquarters of Channel 4, London, in connection with the Big 4 Project. In September 2008, her works were featured in the inaugural exhibition Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Her recent solo exhibitions include October Gallery, London, 2008, the Chicago Cultural Center, 2009 and the Goethe Institute, Lagos, Nigeria 2009. She will have a second solo exhibition at October Gallery, London in May 2011.
Flora, 2010.
Okore (Nigeria/USA) has emerged as one of the most interesting artists of her generation. Her large abstract works broadly focus on the transformation and regeneration of forms, based on observations of ecological and manmade environments. She uses materials such as newspapers, fibres, clay and burlap to create intricate sculptural installations through repetitive and labour-intensive techniques, such as weaving, twisting, sewing, dyeing, waxing and rolling. Her works explore the exquisite qualities of detailed surfaces and the surprisingly dramatic exuberance of organic formations.
Untitled, 2012.
Courtesy: October Gallery
