To go abroad? Check out this new gallery in London founded by a black woman!

Multi-talented artist, architect and writer Peju Alatise recently opened Rele Gallery, the primary and only contemporary African art gallery on Dover Street, London.

“Rele Gallery serves as a beacon for African artists, not only providing a platform to showcase African art nationally and internationally, but also amplifying their voices to provide opportunities for development, recognition and economic empowerment within the art community,” Alatise told ESSENCE. “It has been an honor to open the gallery’s London outpost and I am very excited about what this new chapter will bring for Adenrele Sonariwo and her team, marked by a commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and recognition.”

Rele Gallery is actually a milestone in Sonariwo’s activities. How Guardian reports, “[f]New African women have established galleries on three continents.”

“Having a gallery that originates from Nigeria and has locations on two other continents in itself changes the conversation.” Sonariwo he stated. “It shows what is possible and achievable. This allowed us to tell inclusive, diverse stories that are not limited to a single narrative of how Africa is perceived.”

Always in exhibition “We Came With The Last Rain” at Rele Gallery “provides a prelude to the larger collection, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the whimsical escapism of Yoruba folklore and mythology.”

“This is a profound artistic endeavor, providing insight into a larger collection centered around the empowering narrative of the girl – a topic I have nurtured for years,” says the writer artist.

“At its core is the story of Flying Girls, a fictional exploration in which Sim, a 9-year-old girl, navigates the challenges of contemporary Lagos as a hired servant. This narrative extends to the unlucky existence of kids wandering the streets in search of survival, commonly generally known as ‘Almajiri’ – children who’re sent to Islamic boarding schools but find yourself begging for alms,” he continued Always.

“The belief, borrowed from Yoruba folklore, revolves around stories of “rain” and “fertility.” A selected variety of rain makes all the things grow, and Oya, the deity related to rain, ensures fertility. The narratives woven into the artworks resonate with broader themes of resilience, identity and the wealthy cultural heritage of the Yoruba experience.” Always added. “As I refine this captivating narrative, We Came With The Last Rain invites viewers to explore the multi-layered storytelling, culture and creativity that define my artistic practice.”

Over the course of her profession, Alatise has engaged in work that “examined exploitative labor practices in Nigeria, children’s rights with a particular focus on young girls, state-sanctioned violence against citizens, migration, and policies that ensure that many people die at sea in search of a better life.” life.” A visionary at that creator is obsessed with giving back – in 2018, she founded a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting emerging talents in Nigeria, Alter-Native Artists Initiative.

“The international presentation of Nigerian art can contribute to a more diverse and positive perception of Nigeria,” says Alatise. “It highlights the country’s cultural vitality, artistic creativity and diverse perspectives, challenges stereotypes and fosters greater appreciation of its cultural contributions to the world.”