By Nii B. Andrews.
Wole Languju has to date been known for his large field format paintings of figures attired in Elizabethan era clothing while donning Yoruba Gelede masks.
Sometimes, the figures wore 1960’s style clothing instead.
But for the London Art Fair, 2018; Languju presents more intimate self reflective small scale portraits of masks, young ladies in diverse poses and contemporary clothing silhouettes.
He goes further to reference the indigo dyed textiles commonly used by the Yoruba and other West African population groups.
The best example being the painting, “Renaissance” where a confidently poised female in a color blocked sassy dress is featured.
Languju’s works therefore point to a multifaceted or hybrid aesthetic involving western and African iconography.
In the process, the works subvert a simplistic western hierarchical model of history and demand a more nuanced and inclusive interpretation of the past and contemporary society.
Languju was born in Oshogbo, Nigeria; he earned a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Ife; he is now domiciled in the United States.
Currently his paintings are exhibited in London by Ed Cross Fine Arts.
The London Art Fair runs from January 17 – 21, 2018 at the Business Design Center, London.
Some Art just easy on one’s sensibilities!
This hits that Mark, and gets discourse going on what contemporary blackness represents.
Love love love the work, and Write up . Thanks