IyunOla Sanyaolu’s exhibition How to Hold a Moonbeam; How Do You Hold Memory?, at Rele Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria, explores themes of memory and transience. Through textured, layered paintwork, Sanyaolu unrolls into abstract representations of human experience, reflecting on the impermanence of life. Inspired by a conversation with her mother, the series meditates on fading memories and personal legacy. This is her second solo show, where each piece merges shadow, colour, and amorphous forms to symbolize the fragile passage of time.
Sanyaolu, an abstract artist known for her innovative use of texture and form, employs the impasto technique—layering thick applications of paint to create vivid emotional landscapes. Her work resonates with the exploration of human experiences, inviting viewers to engage with the complexity of memory and its transient nature.
The exhibition’s title evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia, reflecting Sanyaolu's personal journey and the impact of her surroundings. Central to her new series is a poignant memory from her mother's garden, where a conversation about mortality sparked reflections on loss and the impermanence of life. This intimate recollection serves as a catalyst for Sanyaolu's artistic exploration of how memories fade and evolve over time.
Through her abstract compositions, Sanyaolu captures the essence of ephemeral experiences, using a muted colour palette to evoke a sense of longing and introspection. The interplay of shadow and light in her works acts as a metaphorical sundial, marking the passage of time and highlighting the beauty of moments that can never be reclaimed.
The exhibition invites audiences to contemplate the accuracy of their memories and the emotional weight they carry. Sanyaolu’s art not only reflects her personal narrative but also tallies with universal themes of love, loss, and the human condition. "How to Hold a Moonbeam; How Do You Hold Memory?" runs from October 26 to November 30, 2024.
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