Art exhibition to showcase rich cross-continental dialogues around black femininity

Groundbreaking exhibition to premiere this July curated by celebrated Ghanaian gallerist Adora Mba, featuring global female artists each portraying their unique sense of black female consciousness.
Art exhibition to showcase rich cross-continental dialogues around black femininity
'Adora Mba' (c) Daniel Cole Ofoe Amegavie

July 15th, 2021 (London, England): HOFA Gallery and ADA \ contemporary art gallery (Accra, Ghana) are set to premiere an all-female group exhibition titled ‘Mother of Mankind’ which showcases the rich cross-continental dialogues around the subject of black femininity; how it is created, perceived, and deconstructed through art.

On view from July 22 – August 31 at HOFA’s Mayfair space in London, this exhibition is specially curated by Adora Mba, Founder and Director of ADA \ contemporary art gallery. The press preview takes place on July 21 between 10am – 6pm (BST).

Art exhibition to showcase rich cross-continental dialogues around black femininity

Set to Flourish II by Marcellina Akpojotor, Fabric and acrylic on canvas, 2021 (121.9 x 152.4 cm). Courtesy of the artist and Rele Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria.

Award-winning artists such as Emma Prempeh, Jamilla Okubo and Adebunmi Gbadebo will appear alongside 15 other headline artists hailing from Nigeria, Canada, UK, South Africa, Ghana, US and France. Their works collaboratively create a rich tapestry of themes including identity, gender, family, society, sexuality, empowerment, and consumerism, from the perspectives of black femininity. The artists share a bold figurative approach and a courageous, spirited embrace of mixed media that make the show a spectacular display of colours, lighting contrasts, and styles of portraiture that range from classic, austere, and prestigious to surreal, sensual, and playful.

Commenting on the show, ADA \ Contemporary’s Founder and Director, Adora Mba, says, “At a time when singular voices demonstrate their strength when united, I feel privileged to showcase the works of these remarkably talented artists in one of the cities I call home. The women presented in this show are in the early days of their artistic careers, yet already making waves and drawing attention amidst an industry which tends to be more supportive of their male counterparts. ADA and HOFA are instituting a space for their, for our, voices to be heard; our stories to be told; our creative spirits to conceive, unbound, forging our own narratives. Beyond being artists that I personally admire, these women are my sisters, my kin from across the globe.”

Art exhibition to showcase rich cross-continental dialogues around black femininity

While We Wait by Sophia Oshodin, Acrylic on canvas, 2021 (91.4 x 91.4 cm). Courtesy of the artist and of ADA \ contemporary art gallery.

HOFA Gallery Co-founder Elio D’Anna said, “It is crucial that these stories are told, providing the artists with a space for their brilliant works to be seen and voices to be heard. ‘Mother of Mankind’ is one of our most far-reaching and important exhibitions of the year. We hope that those who see the show will continue to think about, and be challenged by, the themes of this exhibition and continue to explore the talented artists for years to come.”

Other participating artists include Ekene Emeka-Maduka, Cece Phillips, Chinaza Agbor, Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, Marcellina Akpojotor, Sola Olulode, Alexandria Couch, Muofhe Manavhela, Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, Mookho Ntho, Bria Fernandes, Sophia Oshodin, Damilola Onosowbo Marcus, Tobi Alexandra Falade and Dimakatso Mathopa.

‘Mother of Mankind’ will run for six weeks from July 22 till August 31 at HOFA Gallery, London

ADA Contemporary Art Gallery

HOFA Gallery

About Adora Mba:

Adora Mba (b. 1986, London) is the founder and director of ADA \ contemporary art gallery, a commercial art space based in Accra, Ghana, committed to representing emerging artists across Africa and its diaspora. Raised in London, Accra and Lagos, Mba spent her formative years cultivating a dialogue between her African roots and European education. Her extensive travels led her to develop a keen interest in contemporary art, and in particular the African art scene. An art advisor, collector and writer, Mba’s experience working in the contemporary African art industry nurtured her expertise on the continent’s artistic scene.

Starting her career in cultural journalism and public relations, she soon relocated to Ghana where she acted as art consultant for various actors of the cultural sector (Ghana Ministry of Culture; Adjaye Associates). In 2017, she launched The Afropolitan Collector, an art advisory platform specialized in the acquisition and promotion of contemporary art and design from Africa. Throughout her career, Mba witnessed a bounded African artistic scene, lacking the infrastructure necessary to achieve its full potential. Responding to this need and to her desire to support emerging artists, she founded the ADA \ contemporary art gallery in 2020 in Accra.

About ADA \ contemporary art gallery:

Based in Accra, Ghana, ADA \ contemporary art gallery specializes in the work of emerging artists across Africa and its diaspora. Established in 2020 by contemporary African art advisor Adora Mba, ADA is committed to nurturing Ghana and the continent’s contemporary art community and to fostering its ties and influence amongst global audiences.

Highlighting individual early career artistic practices, the gallery’s program includes dedicated solo exhibitions; off-site projects and exhibitions; site-specific commissions; talks; creative partnerships and philanthropic activities with local actors; and international art fairs.

In parallel, ADA will develop a residency program starting in the Summer 2021, bringing together a local Ghanaian artist and an international artist whose practice is rooted in Africa and its legacy. Cultivating a dialogue between the local and the international artists, the residency is a manifest to ADA’s engagement in strengthening these ties and to establishing Ghana’s emerging artistic scene and market internationally.

ADA \ contemporary art gallery

Villaggio Vista

North Airport Road

Airport Residential Area

Accra, Ghana

info@ada-accra.com

www.ada-accra.com

About HOFA Gallery:

HOFA Gallery (House of Fine Art) specializes in contemporary art by established and emerging international artists. HOFA is determined to feature a multitude of artistic disciplines with an intent focus on exceptional talent, diversity and cultural relevance. Dedicated to supporting rare talent and making their work globally accessible, the gallery works closely with all of its artists to ensure the highest level of excellence and integrity across its locations in London, Los Angeles and Mykonos.

With a unique selection of highly collectable artworks of appreciative value and an uncompromising dedication to art world innovation, the gallery is committed to its mission in cultural leadership. Using new technologies and digital innovations, HOFA pledges an accessible entry point to the market and inclusivity to art collectors on all levels.

House of Fine Art (HOFA)

11 Bruton Street, Mayfair

London W1J 6PY

United Kingdom

www.thehouseoffineart.com

 

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