Windsor Gallery Makes an Entrée into Art Scene with Inaugural Exhibition

Yinka Olatunbosun

An inaugural exhibition which coincides with the opening of Windsor Gallery in Lagos will kick off on Saturday, September 16. Titled, “State of Africa,’’ the show is a kaleidoscope of sorts as it explores the diverse landscape of Africa. Featuring works by Brice Esso (Ivory Coast), Musa Ganiyy (Nigeria), Pascal Konan (Ivory Coast), Aida Muluneh (Ethiopia), Kristine Tsala (Cameroon), Mederic Turay (Ivory Coast) and Didier Viode (Ivory Coast), the exhibition is a showcase of voices, stories and cultural identities in Africa.

With a title drawn from Martin Meredith’s 2005 book The State of Africa: A History of the Continent, the exhibition parades works that tell the stories of resilience with palpable creative energy that resonates from wall to wall. The artists navigate the intersections of tradition and modernity, heritage and innovation while connecting Africa’s past with its present.

Using varied forms and techniques, the artists create an assemblage that would spark conversations and curiosity. Whether the view is panned from Brice Esso’s thoughtfully executed marble and bronze sculptures to Musa Ganiyy’s nostalgic reflections and compelling portraits, the cultural fidelity remains intact. The show will enable the Lagos audience to travel through Pascal Konan’s bight coloured mixed media work with repurposed denim, soak in Aida Muluneh’s acclaimed breadth of technique and experience the power of brushstrokes in Kristine Tsala’s, Mederic Turay’s and Didier Voide’s pieces.

In his remark to usher in the show which runs till October 21, the CEO and Founder, Windsor Gallery, Richard Vedelego said: “Windsor Gallery stands as the realization of our vision, a platform propelling the African contemporary art scene to unparalleled heights. This remarkable journey has led us to Lagos, where we are thrilled to unveil our flagship gallery this September.’’

Vedelego, who had his formal education in the United Kingdom revealed that the royalty influenced the choice of name for the gallery. Born and raised by an Ijaw mother, Vedelego is very keen on exploring the arts and culture scene across cultures, tapping from indigenous talents to match global creative energy.

Windsor Gallery which opened on September 16 has touchpoints in Abidjan, Abuja and now Lagos. In a guided tour of the gallery with its manager, Ayo Oshodi, the beauty of the masterful architecture that housed a cellar, lounge, book stand and exhibition rooms was experienced. From the oval shaped windows, a visitor can enjoy the view of the neighbourhood while reflecting on the messages embedded in the works at the gallery.