Charcoal, textured portraits by Collins Obijiaku delve into black identity and experiences
In his new body of work, Nigerian painter Collins Obijiaku delves into notions of blackness, lived experience, interiority and identity, as well as representation.
Molaya (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on paper, 100cm x 70cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
The vivid portraits in Gindin Mangoro: Under the Mango Tree take a closer look at his own life and struggles and those of his friends and acquaintances. Using charcoal, textured brushstrokes and dactylograms, Obijiaku brings each individual's intimate history and complex personality to life.
On show at ADA \ contemporary in Ghana from 15 October, the gallery describes the work full of "concurrent and collinear lines, seemingly cartographic and filling the surface of the canvas with no obvious starting point nor known end," which, it adds, "deliberately translate the unpredictable journey of each depicted life".
The exhibition is also available to view online where you can browse a virtual room and also see personal sketches and videos of the artist, giving an intimate insight into both his inspiration and his artistic process.
The Gallery adds: "Obijiaku's works do not speak to a representation of emotion. Moving beyond socio-cultural constructs of gender, skin colour and religion, the paintings are a homage to pure human existence, the expression of a shared desire to just be."
Gindin Mangoro (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on canvas, 180cm x 160cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
Red Suit (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on canvas, 200cm x 180cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
Papa and Joshua (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on canvas, 200cm x 180cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
Shelter (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on paper, 180cm x 160cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
Stripe Jacket (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on paper, 100cm x 80cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
Ajire (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on paper, 100cm x 80cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
Ubah (2020), acrylic, oil and charcoal on paper, 100cm x 70cm. Courtesy of the artist Collins Obijiaku and ADA \ contemporary art gallery
