Emma Prempeh, Drift Off (2024), acrylic, oil and schlag metal. Courtesy of the artist, Tiwani Contemporary and Bwo.
In an exploration of the profound interplay between escapism, safe spaces, and artistic expression within African and diasporic communities, Bwo Gallery proudly presents ‘Where Dreams are Born and Peace Restored’, an intimate group exhibition featuring new paintings by contemporary artists Emma Prempeh, Elladj Lincy Deloumeaux and Araba Opoku. Curated by gallery co-founder Brice Arsène Yonkeu, the exhibition will open on 24 February and close on 20 April, 2024.
Against the backdrop of navigating the world as Black bodies, often existing as minorities within predominantly white spaces, and/or as women, the artists’ contributions in this exhibition bring forth a visual narrative that transcends time. They unveil moments of quietude, solace, or rejuvenation through their distinctive styles of expression, drawing inspiration from captured memories, archives, and their boundless imaginations.
Encountering various experiences, from dislocation to rejection, racism, and sexism, the artists grapple with adversity, difference, and change. "Where does one's mind go in such moments?" asks the exhibition curator. "Where does one hide to seek comfort and dream?" These pivotal questions serve as the thematic foundation for an immersive exploration into the places, memories, fantasized worlds, or individuals that contribute to the artist’s identity formation and mental wellness.
The exhibition delves into the "where" of these inquiries, unraveling the diverse sources of inspiration that foster resilience and confidence in the face of challenges. As the artists navigate their personal journeys, the gallery transforms into a sacred space where multitudes of pictorial contributions, ranging from pure figuration to abstraction, converge to create a powerful, safe, and intimate environment.
‘Where Dreams are Born and Peace Restored’ aims to not only provide a platform for artists to express their unique perspectives but also to invite viewers into a realm of reflection and self-discovery. The gallery becomes a haven where visitors can find comfort and strength, nurturing their own imaginations and watering the seeds of their secret gardens.
