On the 5th of May,2024, Windsor Gallery opened the “Ink Impressions” exhibition. It is a collection of artworks that focuses on the dynamic nature of ink, employing artists whose utilisation of the tool serve as a gateway to deep contemplation for its audience.
Each artist’s use of ink is different from the other.
Ukandi Atsu is a multifaceted artist who merges traditional elements and modern techniques to make us ask ourselves “Who am I?”.
In an interview with the artist,he emphasized that his art is “identity-based”.It is meant to prompt reflection on our cultural identity and the things that ground us.
“There is always a fundamental reason why you do things… If you learn it, you will be more informed on whether you should leave that idea behind or build upon it”
Atsu mentioned that the creation of “Son of Man” and “Jupiter in June” was preceded by him viewing some masquerade performances in Calabar and the work of other artists.
During a conversation with a member the audience about “The Future Is Bright” by Nneka Chima. He said that it evoked a feeling of nostalgia in him, reminding him of “old times”.
Chima’s work tells a story. Although deliberately distorting, the message is clear. It takes us on a journey and creates a sense of yearning for enjoying life as a kid again.
This image reminds us of the playfulness and fantasies we experienced in childhood.
As Atsu and Chima’s art contain one subject in each piece, we have Simon Richard Ojeaga who highlights togetherness by creating multiple subjects.
According to another member of the audience, a major aspect of Ojeaga’s work is the motifs on the clothing of its human forms.
In Kindred 2,Brotherhood and Kindred (L to R), this element directs our attention to cultural identity and its significance in the African community.
The gallery’s lighting was intentional. It allowed the intricate lines of the artworks to stand out,which gave the audience a good understanding of each one.
Windsor’s ability to bring together artists that are quite different from another, yet still have the common element of ink is truly remarkable.
This exhibition will be ongoing until the 18th of May,2024.
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