In the midst of shifting societal norms and increasing complexity around identity, "Freedom in Multitudes" asks important questions about Black and African identity. Through the work of nine international artists, this 1897 Gallery exhibition explores the nuances of self-expression.
We talked to curator Sosa Omorogbe, Founder of The 1897 about her vision and aspirations for the show, and how she hopes it will inspire new thinking.
Art Report Africa: What inspired you to curate "Freedom in Multitudes," and how does it reflect your vision for The 1897 ?
Sosa Omorogbe: The inspiration behind The 1897 was rooted in my desire to consolidate all my creative endeavours under one structured roof. I wanted to create a space that not only provides comfort but also inspires trust. We started with advisory services, because that's what I do best, leveraging a solid base of collectors who genuinely care about the work rather than buying for the sake of acquisition.Both divisions feed eachother. We launched with the two disivions: The 1897 Advisroy and The 1897 Gallery.
The gallery's nomadic nature was a conscious choice to expand the scope of engagement with both artists and collectors. My goal is to reintroduce Black & African art to unexpected places and to establish that it is not a monolith. The concept of labelling it "African art" feels limiting to me, as it encompasses diverse expressions and forms. I adopted a nomadic approach to demonstrate that African art is accessible and evergreen, rather than remote or obscure.
I believe Black people must create our own connections and establish institutions that facilitate our growth. I hope that The 1897 Gallery can evolve into one of those vital institutions.
ARA: How did the title "Freedom in Multitudes" come about, and what does it signify for the exhibition?
SO: In conceptualising "Freedom in Multitudes," I reflected on what I wanted people to know about me, my company, and the complexities of Black and African identities on a global scale. It was essential to convey that we are multifaceted individuals, not easily pigeonholed. The exhibition features a variety of mediums and expressions.
I aimed to celebrate the complexities of our identities without an oppressive tone. I wanted visitors to experience joy and connection. While discussions around Black oppression are important, they should not define the entirety of our narrative. I intend to focus on the individual artists and their explorations of identity, allowing them to express their experiences beyond the boundaries of race.
ARA: The exhibition focuses on cross-cultural dialogues around Black identity. Can you elaborate on how the selected artists contribute to this discourse?
SO: Each artist in this exhibition brings a unique perspective to the conversation around Black identity. Ousmane Bâ draws from his Senegalese and Malian roots while living in Japan, using techniques that reflect his multifaceted identity. Roisin Jones explores mythology and Black femininity, diving into her identity as a Black British woman of Jamaican descent and addressing colonial ties through her work. Amanda Shingirai focuses on her identity as a woman and mother, employing abstraction to represent the various aspects of her life and heritage visually.
Rachel Seidu celebrates her identity as a queer woman in Nigeria, emphasizing the bravery and divinity inherent in that experience. Afeez Okakoya emphasises his identity as a skilled drawer. His work intertwines research with surrealism, reflecting his artistic journey and self-exploration. Uthman Wahaab addresses personal prejudices and examines the impact of love on identity, illustrating how relationships shape who we are. Sola Olulode captures the joy of the Black queer experience in the UK, presenting her subjects in a way that emphasises happiness and freedom. Nola Ayoola connects fragments of Yoruba culture and history, highlighting the importance of community and shared heritage.
ARA: How do you envision the audience engaging with the works on display, and what conversations do you hope this exhibition will ignite within the community?
SO: I want the audience to explore the multifaceted identities of the artists and to experience a sense of levity. Being Black should not be solely about contrasting against whiteness; it should be about celebrating diversity and complexity. I hope visitors will find joy in the works and connect with them on a personal level, even if their experiences differ. Understanding that we are not monolithic is paramount—just because we share a racial identity does not mean we all relate to each other's stories.
ARA: The exhibition draws on Du Bois’s theory of double consciousness. How does this concept inform the artworks displayed, and what new perspectives does it offer?
SO: Du Bois's theory of double consciousness resonated deeply with me during my university years in America. It articulated the feeling of constantly measuring oneself against the perceptions of others– a concept I had not fully grasped until then. This awareness of being Black in a different cultural context informed my desire for The 1897 Gallery to host exhibitions that interrogate Black identity without solely focusing on oppression.
I want to engage in conversations about what it means to be Black, challenging traditional narratives and encouraging unexpected dialogues. My goal is to foster an environment where being Black is not defined by external judgments but is a rich, layered experience.
ARA: What future themes or concepts do you hope to explore in upcoming shows?
SO: Expect more diverse locations and a broader cohort of artists in future exhibitions. I aim to create more experiential shows with programming that includes talks, workshops, and deeper dives into artists' practices. Collaboration is key, and I am excited to work with anyone who shares a passion for amplifying the art that matters to us.
"Freedom in Multitudes" is on view at 32 Connaught Street in London from October 5 to October 14, 2024. Additional programming includes artist workshops, curator-led tours, and artist talks, providing multiple entry points for audience engagement.
This exhibition marks the beginning of a series of shows planned by the 1897 Gallery for 2025, signalling a significant new platform for the exploration and celebration of contemporary Black and African art in London and beyond.
Exhibition Details:
Address:
32 Connaught Street, Connaught Village,
London W2 2AF
United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday | 12 – 6 p.m.
ABOUT 1897
1897 is a creative agency that focuses on amplifying Black and African Art through collaboration and meaningful discourse. Our mission is to act as a global connector, building an international community dedicated to celebrating and advancing Black and African art across the diaspora. With "collaboration" at the epicenter of our approach, we are committed to curating diverse programmes in alliance with art professionals and practitioners around the world. Our programmes will showcase works by artists across all mediums and experience levels. By placing a varied cohort of artists in conversation with each other, we shall explore the breadth and complexity of the Black and African experience. Through immersive, multi-sensory experiences, 1897 engages with the myriad possibilities of seeing and experiencing art.1897 seeks to explore common threads of heritage, identity, memory, and consciousness. The agency operates across 2 departments: The 1897 Gallery and the 1897 Advisory.
The 1897 Gallery is a contemporary gallery specializing in Black and African art. The Gallery adopts a nomadic exhibition format aimed at connecting international audiences with artists throughout Africa and its diaspora, thus fostering global community-building. The 1897 Gallery bridges the gap between global emerging artists and masters of Contemporary and Modern Art, exploring the Black and African experience across distance and time.
The 1897 Advisory offers bespoke advisory services to our clients, with an eye towards building valuable collections. We advise on art of all media from every sector of the art market-from new and emerging to established and blue-chip artists.
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