In Power and Repose: A Group Show of Contemporary African Portraiture

Olasunkanmi Akomolehin

Frank Coffie

Kelani Fatai Oladimeji

Allouche Gallery is excited to present In Power and Repose, a vibrant group exhibition that explores the rich tapestry of contemporary African portraiture through the lens of three visionary artists.

Kelani Fatai Oladimeji (b. 1994, Nigeria) elevates African portraiture by intertwining modern subjects with the opulence of Old Master techniques. His paintings, set against intricately patterned backdrops reminiscent of regal tapestries, fuse classical aesthetics with contemporary reflections on race, identity, and power. Though rooted in his Lagosian heritage, Oladimeji’s work transcends geographic boundaries, offering a nuanced exploration of Black representation in a global context. By casting figures such as Biggie Smalls in a noble light, he challenges traditional notions of portraiture and redefines the canon of Black representation more broadly.

Frank Coffie’s (b. 1992, Ghana) earthy portraits, enriched with hand-strung yarn, celebrate the strength found in communal bonds and moments of quiet intimacy. Coffie’s process of weaving yarn through his canvases was initially born out of necessity; traveling from his home in Ghana to school in South Africa and unable to stretch his canvases, he cut them and weaved them back together. The visible woven bonds were a breakthrough, as they seemed to represent the very themes he sought to explore.

Olasunkanmi Akomolehin (b. 1995, Nigeria) draws inspiration from familial archives, transforming childhood photographs into contemplative scenes that explore themes of love, loss, and resilience. His portraits, often framed by lush floral backgrounds, invite viewers into intimate moments of leisure and reflection. With subjects that frequently gaze directly at the viewer, Akomolehin bridges past and present, evoking a sense of nostalgia while engaging in a dialogue that transcends the portraits' initial medium.

In Power and Repose offers an immersive exploration of the multifaceted stories embedded in contemporary African portraiture, where personal and collective histories converge.