EmmieJazzy Selected for Pineapple Black Summer Show 2023 in Middlesbrough

By Korede Omololu-David

Contemporary hyper-realistic artist EmmieJazzy (Kolade Emmanuel Ayinuola) was among the selected artists featured in the Pineapple Black Summer Show 2023, a major group exhibition held at Pineapple Black Arts in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. The exhibition opened with a preview event on 11 August 2023 and ran through 9 September 2023, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary works from emerging and established artists.

Founded and curated by artists Bobby Benjamin and Stephen Irving, Pineapple Black is an influential artist-led contemporary art space known for presenting ambitious group exhibitions and providing exhibition opportunities for local, national, and international artists. Located in the Hill Street Shopping Centre in Middlesbrough, the gallery has played a significant role in supporting emerging talent and facilitating critical engagement between artists and audiences.

The Summer Show followed a highly competitive open call process, with only 151 artworks selected for the final exhibition, representing a curated cross-section of contemporary artistic practices. Demonstrating exceptional technical ability and conceptual depth, three works by EmmieJazzy — Mother’s Love, Smile III, and Perception — were selected for inclusion, highlighting the strength and consistency of his artistic practice within a highly selective curatorial context.

The exhibition brought together artists working across diverse disciplines, including painting, drawing, installation, and mixed media. As with Pineapple Black’s broader curatorial philosophy, the Summer Show aimed to create meaningful dialogue between artworks, audiences, and contemporary cultural themes, while providing a platform for artists whose practices demonstrate both technical excellence and conceptual resonance.

EmmieJazzy’s selected works exemplify his distinctive hyper-realistic style, which combines technical precision with emotional storytelling. His work frequently explores themes of identity, perception, human vulnerability, and emotional resilience, often rooted in personal and cultural narratives. The inclusion of multiple works in the exhibition reflected curatorial recognition of both the technical quality and emotional depth present in his practice.

The opening preview event on 11 August 2023 (6pm–9pm) attracted artists, curators, collectors, and members of the public, reinforcing Pineapple Black’s role as a vital cultural hub within the North East of England’s contemporary art ecosystem. The exhibition remained open to the public until 9 September 2023, providing sustained exposure to a broad regional audience.

Participation in the Pineapple Black Summer Show represents a significant milestone in EmmieJazzy’s professional exhibition history. Pineapple Black has established itself as an important artist-led exhibition platform in the UK, recognised for showcasing emerging and established contemporary artists and contributing to the visibility and development of artistic talent within the region and beyond.

Through the selection of multiple works, EmmieJazzy’s inclusion in the exhibition demonstrates curatorial confidence in his artistic vision and reinforces his growing recognition within the UK contemporary art scene.