On a cool June evening in Abuja, Retro Africa opened its doors for Henri Abraham Univers’ solo exhibition titled The Power of Choice: is Love. As you step in, you are drawn into Henriโs universe; stars, bold colors, and intense emotions.
Henri is a French-Burkinabe self-taught painter who currently resides in London. Having grown up in a multicultural household, he has a deep understanding of what tends to divide us as humans, but most importantly, what should unite us, with Henri stating, โItโs that all the problems on earth are a problem of love. Thereโs no need to look for complexity.โ
The exhibition focuses on the power of choice given to human beings, and the result of that choice should (in Henriโs interpretation) be love. Henri represents love in many forms throughout this exhibition, showing how it is what connects us all as dwellers of this earth. Central to his work are guardian angels, who serve as the protagonists in each painting, guiding us toward love. There are also phrases that appear repeatedly, such as โTime is Moneyโ crossed out, 1+1=1 (the equation to the universe), and โTime is Love.โ His work is deeply influenced by his Catholic faith, as he believes that we are created in God’s image and that love is therefore derivative and innate.
The curator of the exhibition, Dolly Kola Balogun, and Henri share a six-year relationship, which was evident during the artist talk where Henri was absent. His absence, though unfortunate, was not felt as a loss. During the talks, Dolly discussed how symbolism is a significant part of his work. In The Crown of Dignity, the yellow crown represents dignityโillustrating that all human beings are created with dignity from God. In Ephemeral, the mirror prompts viewers to interrogate vanity.
Perhaps the most significant indicator of Henriโs work is the stars. It takes him roughly three months to complete a single painting, with the most strenuous part being the stars. He paints each six-pointed star individually, remarking that while he dislikes painting the stars, it is his sacrifice. Each star is dedicated to a person on earth as a prayerโto take away someoneโs pain and replace it with purpose and guidance. A star, in Henri’s eyes, is a divine truth and a prayer.
Henri’s exhibition is a testament to his belief that art is not merely for aesthetic pleasure but serves as a medium for profound reflection on human existence. As you move through the gallery, each painting becomes a dialogue between the viewer and the canvas, encouraging introspection on the universal themes of love, unity, and purpose. The vibrant colors and intricate details pull you in, but itโs the underlying messagesโrooted in faith and human connectionโthat linger long after youโve left the exhibition.
My favorite piece from the exhibition was Oxygen. In Oxygen, the guardian angel appears to be dancing in a body of water surrounded by plants and fishโa reminder that oxygen is life and the choice we have to make in guarding it, in loving our environment to sustain it.
For those who visit, the exhibition is more than just an artistic experience; itโs a spiritual journey that challenges you to consider the impact of your choices on the world around you. Whether itโs through the meticulous stars that represent prayers or the symbolic use of crowns and mirrors, Henri’s work is a powerful reminder that love, dignity, and purpose are choices we must actively make in our daily lives.
Donโt miss the chance to experience this unique exhibition, where art and spirituality converge to offer a message of hope and unity. The Power of Choice: is Love runs until September 9th, 2024, at Retro Africa in Abuja.
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