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Ayanfe Olarinde: In The Beginning, And So It Goes...

Past exhibition
13 April - 6 May 2023
  • Overview
  • Works
  • Installation Views
  • Press
  • Related content
Overview
Ayanfe Olarinde: In The Beginning, And So It Goes...
JD Malat Gallery is delighted to announce the opening of 'In The Beginning And So It Goes...', a solo show by Lagos-based artist Ayanfe Olarinde (b. 1996). On display from 13 April to 6 May 2023, this exhibition offers a visual narrative of mythological traditions of Yoruba, one of the most prominent and widely recognized cultures in Nigeria and West Africa. The viewers will find themselves on a journey of discovery and enlightenment, as Olarinde's paintings pose questions and ignite curiosity, while offering a pause to reflect on the fluidity of art and life.

'In The Beginning And So It Goes...' directly references Creation Myth, a folktale exploring the origins of the Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa with a population of about 40 million. Yoruba thought is characterised by its predominantly oral narrative structure, which serves to elucidate and reveal knowledge about the causes and essence of phenomena that impact both the material and spiritual realms.

Frequently featuring animals and supernatural beings as protagonists, Yoruba folktales have been passed down through generations with the aim of teaching moral lessons to both children and adults. Olarinde's practice translates these ancient folktales - to which she was exposed as a child - into contemporary mixed media art that speaks to the complexities of modern life.
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Works
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Aeroplani o’dabo I (the contentment song), 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Aeroplani o’dabo I (the contentment song), 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Aeroplani o’dabo II (the contentment song), 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Aeroplani o’dabo II (the contentment song), 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Aeroplani o’dabo III (the contentment song), 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Aeroplani o’dabo III (the contentment song), 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Genesis, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Genesis, 2023
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, In her own image, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, In her own image, 2023
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Oluronbi and the tree, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Oluronbi and the tree, 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Table for two, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Table for two, 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, The lover who almost became a reality, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, The lover who almost became a reality, 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, The Story of Olajumoke, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, The Story of Olajumoke, 2023
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Through the valley of shadow III, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Through the valley of shadow III, 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Through the valley of shadow..., 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Through the valley of shadow..., 2023 Sold
  • Ayanfe Olarinde, Through the valley of the shadow II, 2023
    Ayanfe Olarinde, Through the valley of the shadow II, 2023 Sold
Installation Views
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 1
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 2
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 11
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 9
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 5
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 12
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 10
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 13
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 14
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 15
  • Jd Malat Ayanfe Olarinde High Res 16
Press
  • Image of a painting by Ayanfe Olarinde

    WEPRESENT: AYANFE OLARINDE – BRINGING AGE-OLD YORUBA FOLKLORE TALES TO LIFE

    Adedayo Laketu, WePresent, April 12, 2023
  • Image shows Ayanfe Olarinde in her studio

    OKAYAFRICA: AYANFE'S SCRIBBLING ART CREATES BEAUTY OUT OF IMPERFECTION

    Adedayo Laketu, OkayAfrica. , March 31, 2023
Related content
  • WEPRESENT: AYANFE OLARINDE – BRINGING AGE-OLD YORUBA FOLKLORE TALES TO LIFE Press

    WEPRESENT: AYANFE OLARINDE – BRINGING AGE-OLD YORUBA FOLKLORE TALES TO LIFE

    WePresent Apr 12, 2023
    Nigerian artist Ayanfe Olarinde feels that the age-old tales from Yoruba folklore have been watered down as they moved from generation to generation. In response,...
    Read more
  • OKAYAFRICA: AYANFE'S SCRIBBLING ART CREATES BEAUTY OUT OF IMPERFECTION Press

    OKAYAFRICA: AYANFE'S SCRIBBLING ART CREATES BEAUTY OUT OF IMPERFECTION

    OkayAfrica. Mar 31, 2023
    The Nigerian artist, who works across various media, found her voice through scribbling, and has now created a clothing brand to speak more to the...
    Read more

Related artist

  • Ayanfe Olarinde

    Ayanfe Olarinde

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