AAF in Collaboration with Soto Gallery Presents
“If Hives Could Dance in Colours”
Kingsley Ayogu Solo Exhibition
Art must be an integral part of the struggle. It can’t simply mirror what’s taking place. It must aspire to shape the consciousness of those who experience it.
– Amiri Baraka
In “If Hives Could Dance in Colours,” Ayogu Kingsley embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, one that embraces the fullness of his artistic curiosity while exploring new dimensions of creativity. This latest series is an evolution rather than a departure, building upon the strong foundation of his technical mastery in hyper-realism. Ayogu’s work has always been celebrated for its precision and attention to detail, and here, those skills serve as the bedrock from which he transcends uncharted artistic territories.
The title, “If Hives Could Dance in Colours,” symbolises this creative expansion. Just as a hive represents order and industriousness, Ayogu’s earlier works were explorations of meticulous precision, with each brushstroke placed like a worker bee contributing to the collective structure. But what happens when the hive bursts open, and the bees start dancing in a frenzy of colour? In this series, Ayogu allows his art to break free from the conventional, letting it buzz and hum with newfound energy.
Ayogu reflects on the dual nature of the hive: a place of beauty and purpose, yet one that can also feel limiting. His earlier works, celebrated for their lifelike precision, demonstrated his command of the medium. However, within this technical brilliance, he sensed a desire to express more – to move beyond the visible and explore the unseen, the personal, the emotional. This series represents that exploration, where he allows his creativity to flow more freely, unbound by the strictures of hyper-realism.
Embracing new materials and techniques, Ayogu introduces sponges, nets, and layered textures into his work, infusing his canvases with both physical and conceptual depth. These elements are not mere additions; they are integral to the narrative, symbolising the complex layers of identity and experience that he seeks to convey. His mastery is evident, but it now invites a more active engagement from the viewer, challenging them to look beyond the surface and delve into the intricate world he has crafted. What is masked through the materiality of the sponges is revealed in the conception of the ideas—by obfuscating Ayogu reveals. This layered, dancing, rhythmic unwrapping is about dimensions of history that was made and is continuously being made by the quotidian acts of the each passing day.
“If Hives Could Dance in Colours” is an invitation to experience Ayogu’s mind as an ongoing experiment in forms and ideas. The works demand care, attention, and participation, urging the viewer to join him on a journey of discovery. Through techniques like layering and stitching, Ayogu extends his art beyond the confines of the canvas, inviting others to embrace alternate realities and allow his creative vision to resonate within their own lives. And if you find yourself drawn into this vibrant dance of colours, breathe and take it in—it’s just the honey of his creativity crystallising and taking root.
This series is a celebration of release, freedom, and the courage to explore one’s true self. Kingsley’s art has always been a reflection of his skill, but here, it becomes a reflection of his soul – a dance of colours that invites us all to join in.
Curated by Princess Ayoola
Curatorial assistance from Osée Obaonrin
Date: 24th August – 21st September 2024
Venue: Soto Gallery, 10 Omo Osagie Street, Ikoyi, Lagos
Installation Images
Exhibition Images
