At Windsor Gallery, It’s a Celebration of Female Creativity

Yinka Olatunbosun

Alluring paintings on large and small canvasses draw you in as you walk into Windsor Gallery in Victoria Island, Lagos. This time, it’s a wall-to-wall tribute to the creative spirit of female artists from Africa with the theme Modern Matriarchs: Charting New Frontiers in Art. The on-going show, which runs till the eve of International Women’s Day, March 7, is a response to the conversation around showcasing women in a male-dominated art scene. The co-curators, Richard Vedelago and Seun Alli went on a search for female voices in different parts of Africa whose works would contribute to this coherent message on African aesthetics.

The searchlight beamed on the innovative techniques and dynamism reflected in the works by Chuma Adam (South Africa), Samuella Graham (Ghana), Chinaza Nkemka (Nigeria), Osaru Obaseki (Nigeria), Gbonjubola Obatuyi (Nigeria), Chigozie Obi (Nigeria), Simhle Plaatjies (South Africa), and Kristine Tsala (Cameroon).

According to the curators, the word “matriarch” conjures images of strength, wisdom, and leadership within familial contexts. The showcased artworks, carefully curated from diverse corners of the globe, reflect the nuanced perspectives of each artist. With Chinaza Nkemka, a visual self-conversation is palpable as reflected through her personal journey narrated with brush strokes. 

Osaru Obaseki blurs the lines between  abstraction and figuration  using sand and acrylic to draw connecting lines between ancient and modern civilisations. Gbonjubola Obatuyi exhibits works that negotiate the real and constructed notions of what being a woman entails – a laborious process that merges traditional fabric weaving methods with acrylic drips and pixelated painting techniques. 

Like Nkemka, the figurative paintings by Chigozie Obi,  emphasise conversations with self, others and the society at large. She delves into issues of universal appeal such as mental health, beauty standards and more.

Indeed, Chuma Adam’s deft use of abstract forms challenges themes of visibility or lack thereof. She displays fidelity to her artistic direction in the way she visually narrates the intangible complexities of navigating one’s path. 

The portraits by Samuel Graham are in consonance with her pixelated signature style reminiscent of her graphic design background. Skilfully, she combines realism, abstraction and surrealism to explore themes like women’s experiences and their connection with nature.

Simhle Plaatjies’ large scale paintings are a source of inspiration – often stencilling elements of nature onto the work in combination with features comparable with those of a bull. Overall, her works are an invitation for people to connect with their own inner divinity. Kristine Tsala’s new visual character, “the giraffe woman” is colourful, elegant and bold yet unassuming. This a woman that takes charge of her socio-political struggles; acts as a sentinel for

Others and primarily serves as an artistic identity for the artist. Kristine’s practice highlights themes of difference and self-acceptance but most of all celebrates the individual artist.

As we navigate the works of “Modern Matriarchs,” we embark on a visual journey that transcends geographical boundaries and temporal constraints.

The showcased artworks, carefully curated from diverse corners of the globe, reflect the nuanced perspectives of each artist. From bold strokes that defy conformity to intricate detailing that invites contemplation, the pieces collectively narrate a story of resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to artistic exploration.

The exhibition title itself invites contemplation on the role of women not only as creators of art but as architects of new possibilities within the art world. Every piece of artwork echoes the individual voice of artists  who have dared to challenge, reimagine, and define modern values on their terms.

At the preview, the Windsor gallery manager, Yoko Ngwube, said it is important for African female artists to enjoy visibility in Africa instead of seeking validation outside the continent, saying, “We want to represent African artists not just within Africa but across the world. We have lots of talented artists that have to seek validation and elevation outside of Africa in places like Sotheby’s or other big galleries. Some get  better value for their works in such galleries. That does not necessarily have to be the case. We are creating appreciation for African work within Africa to show that art  is valuable.”

The CEO Windsor Group and co-curator for the show, Richard Vedelago expressed his optimism for the show with a glimmer of delight while welcoming collectors at the preview. “Modern Matriarch is a show that allows for multiple points of view on the continent to unify the global idea of females in the artistic space,” he said. “Everyone of the artists was keen to participate.  We have 24 works being exhibited and it is great to have fun with ideas and this time, we have a female-led home inside Windsor Gallery.”