Africa Rises in Fall

OOA gallery are pleased to announce the official opening of our debut London group show, Africa Rises in Fall.

For the past decade, London has led the international contemporary African art market, driving the irresistible rise in demand for artists hailing from across the African diaspora, and cementing its reputation as the pre-eminent modern and contemporary art capital. 

Whilst from our corner of sunny Sitges in South Barcelona we have played a great role in fostering and championing the stellar careers of contemporary African art giants such as Aboudia and Oluwole Omofemi, and rising stars like Matthew Eguavoen, we are acutely aware of the need to expand our presence and global footprint to offer our artists the greatest platform to excel. 

With this in mind, London not only affords us greater access to a multi-cultural, and international clientele, but also allows us to build on existing and future relationships with major art foundations, institutions, fairs and auction houses, all of which play a significant part in the evolution and strength of the contemporary African art market and ecosystem at large. 

Coinciding with Frieze London and 1-54 art fair, Africa Rises in Fall, opens its doors from 9-16 October in the prestigious West London neighbourhood, Notting Hill, an area steeped in rich heritage, culture and beauty, and just a stone’s throw away from both Somerset House and Regent’s Park.

A nod to Notting Hill’s historic association with artists and its thriving and prominent post World War II African-Caribbean community which birthed the famous annual Notting Hill carnival, Africa Rises in Fall boasts an eclectic range of contemporary Artists spanning across East and West Africa, to North Africa and culminating as far as North America. Ranging from masterly figurative portraiture, to abstract expressionism, our exhibiting artists explore a full spectrum of medium, movement, narratives and issues, that both incite spirited debate and contemplation, as well as excite and evoke the senses. 

Whilst the summer sun sets, and the autumn leaves begin to brown and fall, the art of Africa and her diaspora continues to rise, and soar, unperturbed by the change in seasons. 

Raphael Dapaah OOA Gallery London Art Consultant, Partner & Writer.

Boris ANJE (Anjel) 

One of the most exciting contemporary artists hailing from Cameroon, Boris returns to London, in the wake of a strong showing recently in the capital, and ahead of his upcoming duo-exhibition in Barcelona. 

Anjel’s work speaks to a modern cultural phenomenon which was conceived in Congo, but has since taken root across the global African diaspora; sapeurism or la sape. Boris’ muses not only embraces style and fashion as a means of enjoying the act of dressing well, but for them it is a lifestyle rooted in a philosophy and principles that all must adhere to. Boris, masterfully stamps and weaves indigenous African motifs, such as the adinkra symbols of the Akan people of West Africa, with high fashion labels, to communicate the socio-economic standing of his muses, their association to European wealth and prestige, but also that they are still on par with their ancient African beliefs and customs, and that both can co-exist in harmony. 

Safety first – 2022 110cm H x 140cm W – Acrylic and silk screen print on canvas Price: 10,000USD / 10.000€ / 9,000pounds

Matthew EGUAVOEN 

2022 has been a breakout year for the rising Nigerian artist, with sold out shows in Barcelona, Paris, and New York, in addition to a strong reception in Hong Kong, London and Lagos thus far. 

Matthew’s work is a strong visual social commentary on the socio-economic and political issues faced by the ordinary Nigerian and by extension the wider African citizen. He explores the impact of slavery on Africa and its diaspora, the extinction of traditional values, and the growing sensation and importation of religion, western morals and culture, in addition to the flight of Africans abandoning the continent for relative greener pastures in western countries 

Megan Gabrielle HARRIS 

2022 has been a stand out year for the California native, and soft life advocate. Off the back of a sold out debut booth at Art Miami Beach, and selling out her duo show in New York ahead of its opening, Megan Gabrielle Harris is fast becoming one of the most in demand contemporary African-American artists with a rapidly growing waiting list of esteemed international collectors and art patrons. 

Megan is a multi-disciplinary artist specialising in afro-surrealism and escapism. Based in California where she lives and works, and of Nigerian ancestry, her work is influenced and inspired by travel, surreal landscapes, and nature. Her sublime portraits typically feature women of colour depicted as powerful, regal, and divine and often painted against a rich, vibrant backdrop.

Onyis MARTIN 

Onyis Martin’s work explores a spectrum of social issues ubiquitous to but not limited to Nairobi and many major urbans centres across the African continent, and indeed the world. Universal themes such as human rights, migration, political corruption, social and environmental decay, hyper consumerism and capitalism are unpacked through subtle references in fragments of newspapers and posters plastered on walls that speak to both the physical and mental barriers that impede humanity’s progress as a society. 

Even more poignant are the traces of images of innocent children plastered on these urban walls, that challenge and confront the viewer in a judgemental fashion, a stark reminder of the future generations that will bear the costs of today’s social ills and exploitation.

Evans MBUGUA 

Kenya born, France based artist, Evans Mbugua’s unique work is a powerful display of the reverence he holds for his muses. His choice to work on perspex and glass as his base canvas, creates an incredible illumination effect, which keeps the light on his muses, figuratively and metaphorically allowing them to shine, and be bright. 

His bold choices of colours, hot pinks, and lime greens, are a deliberate means of showcasing the confidence, energy, and vibrancy of his subjects; their personalities, character, as well as who they are, and where they are from. Cool and flamboyant in their pose and posture, with their signature sunglasses, Evans strives to showcase the best of the everyday African he captures in his work, highlighting the star quality they each have in them to themselves and to the world. 

Oliver OKOLO 

A self taught contemporary artist with old master sensibilities, Oliver’s work speaks to a classical style of practice informed by early renaissance art pioneers, such as Michelangelo, fused almost seamlessly with a modern interpretation and touch through his depiction of black subjects. 

Intrigued by the intricacies of the human figure as a unique work of nature, Oliver draws inspiration from the human form to depict pieces that express his views on issues he believes are neglected and overlooked in society.