f Raoul Olawale da Silva & Wura-Natasha Ogunji
Expansion of Time
25 February - 28 April 2017
“Expansion of Time” brings together the powerful, evocative works of Raoul Olawale da Silva and Wura-Natasha Ogunji. Both creators are Diasporan artists who made the pivotal decision to return to Nigeria, seeking a deeper alignment with their ancestry and creative impulses. This exhibition serves as a visual dialogue of that homecoming. It captures their shared journey of rediscovering identity, navigating cultural memory, and grounding their contemporary practices within the rich tapestry of their ancestral homeland.
The exhibition features a stunning collection of 33 paintings and an immersive mixed-media installation. Together, these works challenge traditional boundaries to explore the fluid concepts of time, history, human connection, and improvisational flow. Ogunji utilizes delicate, intricate stitching on tracing paper to map out physical and philosophical movements. In contrast, da Silva channels raw, cosmic energy into large abstract canvases, integrating unconventional mediums like sand, coffee, and reclaimed skateboards to build rich textures.
Ultimately, “Expansion of Time” invites viewers to step into a space where past, present, and future seamlessly blur. The collection reflects a profound willingness to experiment and trust the creative process. It highlights how returning to one's roots can spark radical artistic evolution. Through bold colors, varied textures, and intricate linework, the exhibition offers audiences a captivating look at how history shapes us and how rhythm guides us forward.
Curator: Sandra Mbanefo Obiago (SMO Contemporary Art)
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