EXHIBITION: IF WALLS COULD SPEAK BY PATRICK AKPOJOTOR

Hey Guys, it’s been a minute.

While I have been absent here, a lot of things have happened. I worked with some interesting brands, got married, moved to a new studio, got a pet rabbit and finally made a new career decision. 

 

I will be sharing a lot more about the latter in my blogs but today, this post is the launch of a new section in my blog called “The Artist’s Thoughts”. I will basically be highlighting exhibitions I go to, Artists conversations, Studio Visits, My recent research findings and random ideas. 

Yesterday, I went to see Patrick Akpojotor’s exhibition titled ‘If Walls Could Speak’ at The Wheatbaker Lagos. I do not have a comprehensive background in art but I know a few terms so please bear with me. Lol!

He showed about 38 pieces of art that were developed say over a period of 3years. Everything in there was imaginative and that is a gift I appreciate! His work focused generally on how the environment influences humanity and vice versa.  Some structures from his research came for a few Nigerian buildings like the Civic Center and some buildings in Obafemi Awolowo University. He also had sculptures in his exhibition and prices of all the pieces shown ranged from 300k-2M.

It was a combination of 3 series, the Embodied Identity, Self Portrait 1 and Self Portrait 2. 

The Identity series is about architecture in human form and so he had a few pieces that talked about Stella Adadevoh, a She-ro! -the next image is one of them

 

I was particularly interested in this exhibition because of the element of architecture in his work.

I was very fascinated by his cubic and abstract art style and just decoding the portraits I could make out from a few of the paintings was exciting for me. I work with a number of mediums like acrylic and charcoal which he used. I loved his charcoal technique most especially.

 

One of my favourite pieces was the ‘Legacy of Existence’ and it basically was about how some buildings we see around us hold in so must value based on period of “life”. Humans also can relate to this because a woman of 80yrs holds in so much experience and also legacy for herself-which is unique to her.

The painting right beside me on your right is the one with references from the Civic Center, it was titled ‘Citizen of the world’. I will like to know how you will interpret this one. -lets be artists in the comment section. hehe!

I won’t say I generally enjoyed the vibe of the place, maybe because it was not a gallery space and some pieces of art were doing hide and seek with me. I wanted to be consumed by the work as I didn’t get to know the thought behind all the pieces but yet again, there must have been a reason for that. On the flip side, I made my own meaning for the pieces I liked, I got to sit and talk with the people at SMOContemporary Art also. Hehe!

I hope you like this post, be sure to share on your instagram. I will love to know what you think in the comment section below. Will you like to see more of this post? Let me know!

Xoxo

4 Comments

  1. Oooo congratulations on everything that has been going on for you Claire ☺️ I couldn’t help but comment on the ‘Legacy of Existence’ ... it’s so true, and I think aside the value they carry, older walls/buildings tend to be worn out and torn, just like humans and in a way that’s unique to them and that also draws attention to them, for care and awe... What I find most interesting about Patrick’s art is it’s ‘wall Power’ (get it? Hehe) .... i love art that inspires my imaginations and this just did that.. It’s so real to me. I’m now staring at the walls of my house like ‘what’s up mate?!’👀 This is such a good series. Thanks for sharing xx
    • LOL! You are hilarious! I'm so glad you liked it. and yes his "Wall Power" is so good yo! The other pieces are spectacular, like the longer you stare the more you see things unravel. Thank you so much, you're the best.
  2. Hey Claire, I am not an artist like you even though I wish I could draw and paint for real, but my attraction to artists and artwork is just something I cannot explain. It is a phenomenal gift you've got. I am a crafter, I do a lot of craft works from shoe painting to all sorts of home décor and much more but I still do not call myself an artist. I really appreciate your gift and will add your website to my favorites list to visit often.

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