April '24 Exhibitions
Curated list for April
We are in April, it’s almost iced coffee season and spring has sprung… Well, not in the U.K. because the weather is bipolar — word to Baddo! But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying some beautiful art. I saw a tweet earlier this month saying ‘art makes being here worthwhile’ and I can’t help but agree.
With that being said, get your baggiest Sokoto (trousers for my non-Yoruba people) on, grab a coffee (the Spanish latte from %Arabica will change your life) and check out some of my favourites for this month!
JACK KABANGU ~ SMILER GENNEM SMERTEN (SMILING THROUGH THE PAIN)
I have always been blown away and intrigued by Jack’s work, so to be able to experience them in his first UK show is something I am truly looking forward to. His characters have always felt spiritual and reminded me of tribal masks that my grandparents owned in Nigeria
18th April - 1st June 2024
51 Little Britain, London EC1A 7BH
LEONARD IHEAGWAM ~ "SOLDIER"
Creatives coming out of Nigeria is something I will always get behind, especially when they are multidisciplinary artists who weave various cultural movements while being authentic to their roots. Soldier is definitely one to watch!
17th April - 28th April 2024
2 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7P
MARCELLINA AKPOJOTOR ~ JOY OF MORE WORLDS
Rele Gallery is back with another beautiful exhibition; they are really cementing themselves in the London art scene since opening their new space on Dover Street. Marcellina’s paintings take me on a nostalgic journey of childhood and community.
13th April - 18th May 2024
5 - 7 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD
ENTANGLED PASTS, 1768–NOW
Entangled Pasts has been on my radar ever since I saw “The First Supper“ by Tavares Strachan in the RA courtyard. That alone is enough to go see the exhibitions but there are so many powerful pieces of art from the likes of Barbara Walker, Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker. It is worth every penny.
03rd February - 28th April 2024
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
IN CONTEXT | STANDING IN THE GAP
Another group exhibition I am excited to see. It has works from the late Faith Ringgold (her use of quilting and storytelling is truly a sight to see), Tavares Strachan, Carrie Mae Weems and many more.
02nd April - 08th May 2024
26 Cork Street, London W1S 3ND
SOULSCAPES
This is one of my favourite exhibitions I have seen so far this year. Granted Dulwich is very much out of the way but it is so so worth it. Beautifully curated by Lisa Anderson, I felt such a sense of belonging and joy.
14th February - 02nd June 2024
Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD
CONSTELLATIONS PART 1: FIGURES ON EARTH & BEYOND
Gallery 1957 is one of my favourite spaces in London. I truly enjoy how they utilise the space to really bring out the best of the work on show and this exhibition should be no different.
14th March - 25th May 2024
1 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5EW
YINKA SHONIBARE CBE ~ SUSPENDED STATES
When I think of Dutch wax print or “African print“, Yinka Shonibare comes to mind and how he uses it to symbolise the intertwined relationship between Africa and Europe. I am excited to see how he will use his signature techniques to illustrate the impact of colonisation.
12th April - 01st September 2024
Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
I hope you get a chance to check them out.
Peace and love 🙏🏾🖤
FJ