Opening: February 24th, 2024 | 6-10 PM
Exhibition Statement:
As Black History Month unfolds, NYCH Art Gallery is proud to once again announce our annual exhibition celebrating the vibrant Black artistic expression, this year featuring two Nigerian artists. Showcasing a diverse range of talent, the exhibit titled “BLVCK X" offers a captivating journey through the intricate narratives, traditions, and identities of Nigeria's cultural landscape.
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Nigeria, renowned for its rich heritage and artistic prowess, serves as a wellspring of inspiration for the featured artists, whose works reflect the country's dynamic spirit and historical significance. Bold and vivid paintings capturing the essence of daily life, and each piece embodies the resilience, creativity, and beauty inherent of African culture as a whole, speaking to the true diasporic essence of Black History Month.
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This year’s exhibition features the work of artists Aragbada Olayinka Stephen and Daniel Ayomide Emmanuel, whose innovative approaches and distinct styles have garnered acclaim both locally and internationally. Their pieces delve into themes of identity, heritage and the human experience, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue that transcends borders and fosters cultural understanding.
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Artists' Biographies:
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Aragbada Stephen (b.1993) is a highly skilled and expressive visual artist, specializing in painting. His passion for art began in early childhood and has been a driving force throughout his life. Stephen is constantly striving to improve his craft, seeking out new ideas and concepts, and collaborating with other artists to push the boundaries of his work.
Stephen holds a National Diploma (N.D) in Fine Art from The Polytechnic of Ibadan, and has undergone additional training at the Universal Studios of Art in Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria. He furthered his education at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned a B.A in Fine Arts. Stephen is now a full-time practicing studio artist.
His works are focused on capturing the moments and natural phenomena that define the human experience, from colonial times to contemporary times. He celebrates black skin as an African artist, promoting positive representations of blacks, diaspora, and brown skin Africans. As a painter, Stephen uses colors and drawings to document and freeze memories and moments for future reference. His work is highly relatable, allowing viewers to connect deeply with his art.
Stephen's paintings have been exhibited in art galleries in Nigeria and abroad, and his work has been collected by private art collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. His unique style and powerful message have made him a rising star in the fine art world.
Daniel Ayomide Emmanuel (b. 1999, Delta State) lives and works in the Ancient City of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
With a lifelong dedication to the arts, he has developed a distinctive and compelling body of work that has garnered attention and recognition both locally and internationally. Inspired by the World’s nuances and the intricate dance of emotions, Daniel employs a diverse range of mediums, including oil and Acrylic painting style of art on canvas. His creations are marked by a captivating blend of realism and musical aspects of human life, often delving into the intricate layers of the human psyche. Over the years, Daniel has honed his craft through formal education, self-study, and the invaluable experience of participating in various exhibitions and artist collaborations. His work has been celebrated for its ability to elicit a profound emotional response from viewers, inviting them to explore the complexities of the Black race's existence and the universal theme that binds us all.
In addition to this, Daniel is not just a visual experience; it is an invitation to contemplate connections and unique perspectives and the depth of his artistic expression continues to captivate the audience and inspire fellow artists.