Exhibition

Bold Blossoms

Dates

26 May 2024 - 9 June 2024

We welcome you to "Bold Blossoms," an enchanting exhibition celebrating the vibrant intersection of nature and creativity. This dynamic showcase features the visionary works of Anthea Epelle, Haneefah Adam, Lilias Keyan, Sinatra Zantout, and Abisola Gbadamosi.

These five remarkable artists converge on our walls, at the Art Pantheon Gallery, to explore and interpret the boundless beauty of flora through their unique perspectives, each artist bringing forth a distinct narrative through the lens of botanical inspiration.

Abisola Gbadamosi brings an immersive experience through her bold colors in watercolor, she creates a sensory-rich environment that envelops the viewer in the lush and dynamic world of plant life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

Anthea Epelle captures us with her intricate illustrations, where delicate lines and bold colors capture the ephemeral beauty of nature in a mesmerizing dance of form and hue. Her work invites viewers to pause and appreciate the fleeting moments of natural splendor.

Haneefah Adam merges traditional techniques with contemporary flair, creating pieces that resonate with cultural significance. Her vibrant depictions of flora are not merely aesthetic; they are deeply symbolic, reflecting stories of identity, resilience, and heritage.

Lilias Keyan explores the surreal aspects of botanical life, blending reality and fantasy in her striking compositions. Her imaginative approach invites viewers to journey into a world where flowers possess a mystical essence, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Sinatra Zantout employs a modernist touch, deconstructing and reassembling into abstract masterpieces. Her bold use of geometry and color challenges conventional perceptions, encouraging a fresh and innovative appreciation of nature's designs.

Bold Blossoms is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of the profound beauty and resilience found in women and nature. It is an invitation to explore the depths of artistic expression inspired by nature, a reminder of the ever-present. This show celebrates the enduring beauty and strength found in both women and nature. This exhibition invites you to explore the profound artistic expressions inspired by the natural world, highlighting the timeless connection and dialogue between humanity and the natural environment.

Featured Artists

Abisola Gbadamosi

Ever since she was three years old, she was always up to no good - drawing on every visible surface of her house, be it walls or tables, you could tell she was there. Her turning point happened when she was around six. She walked into a toy store with her mother and fell in love with some Barbie dolls. She remembered being so hurt that they could not afford one at the time, so much so that her mother had the brilliant idea to draw them out, cut them up, and use their imaginations to escape the harsh realities of life. At that moment, she felt true euphoria. In 2008, her mother passed away and she lost everything – her heart, her drive, and her will to live. Her art teacher at the time took it upon himself to teach her how to channel those emotions through art. She later lost her dad in 2013. He was an architect who loved her unconditionally. Shortly after that, she was officially diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety with mild OCD tendencies. After her first group exhibition in London, she moved back to Nigeria and made an active decision to follow her second love, teaching. By doing so, she finally understood the quote by Pablo Picasso, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up." Then it clicked. She wanted to create art that people could relate to, art that could inspire, and art that would make people feel that same euphoria she felt when she was a little girl.

Anthea Epelle

Her pieces speak about her affinity to her ethnic background and where she resides. They also speak about discovery in arrangement. Each blank canvas is a place of study for her, a place to translate and expand on previous experiences.

She is sure all artists have experiences in their work processes, but for her, the process is where she finds she spends the most time. She loves to put pieces together and develop warmth that lives. She is always looking for ways to speak life through her work with whatever language she can use, whether with form, texture, color, or figures, with the hope that the language translates. This collection of works belongs to a larger body of work; a series titled "Make Believe." The Make Believe series is about depicting boldness, courage, faith, and even hope. It is about describing the human story by color and style.

Haneefah Adam

In 2021, Haneefah created a film, Making the Mould, an authentic snippet of a day, at Dada Pottery Centre through Lateefah's eyes.

Lateefah is a 24-year-old potter educated up to secondary school level who carries a unique heritage that can be both a blessing and a burden. Unlike her mother, pottery is not all she knows. For Lateefah, pottery (and the centre by consequence) is in some way a destination but more probably a stepping stone. Before the camera and with Lateefah's help, a snapshot of the creativity, heritage, motivations, desires, and relationships that drive the centre emerges. It is an honour for her to have witnessed the timeless artistry and resilience embodied by the potters, creating each portrait not as a mere representation but as vessels of narratives, and also as a celebration of their strength, wisdom, and beauty across generations. The embroidery details symbolize the resilience and interconnectedness of their craft, and the incorporation of broken pottery serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges they've overcome and the beauty that arises from adversity. This body of work is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Dada girls and women, who have shaped the landscape of pottery, weaving their stories into the fabric of time. Across generations, their stories and the vibrant blooms that emerge from their hands are perennial and everlasting.

Lilias Keyan

Drawing inspiration from the depths of sleepless nights, Lilias E. Keyan seeks to mesmerize her audience with her acrylic pour creations, crafted against the backdrop of her battle with insomnia.

Her acrylic pour technique is like a symphony of color and fluidity, with each piece telling a unique story through its mesmerizing patterns and captivating hues. Drawn to the unpredictable nature of acrylic pour techniques, Lilias embraces spontaneity, allowing the paints flow freely and unravel across her canvas.

Through her art, she explores the intricate relationship between light and darkness, chaos and harmony, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of her imagination. With each piece, she seeks to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, inviting viewers to find solace and beauty in the midst of sleepless nights.

Lilias is a graduate of fine art from the Arts and Industrial Design department of Auchi Polytechnic.

Sinatra Zantout

Sinatra Zantout is a painter whose artistic journey is deeply rooted in the mosaic of her Lebanese-Nigerian descent. Navigating the dual identity of being both Lebanese and Nigerian in the art world has been a nuanced exploration, and yet, it forms the crux of her creative expression. From her early years, creativity flowed through her, finding outlets in fashion and interior design.

However, painting emerged as her constant companion, quietly shaping her thoughts and experiences. It was her private sanctuary, a realm where the fusion of her diverse backgrounds found resonance. Recently, she discovered her distinct style, "Masqueradism," a manifestation of her intricate blend of Lebanese and Nigerian influences. Having spent her formative years in Lebanon and Nigeria, the contrasts and harmonies of these cultures permeate her work.

Her educational pursuit in interior design at the American University of Science and Technology in Lebanon was a nod to her father's legacy as a construction engineer. His pursuit of dreams led their family from Lebanon to Nigeria, where the realms of design became a shared passion.

Family is her anchor, and their unwavering support has been her driving force. Her artworks, diverse and evolving, have adorned the walls of her parents' home, a testament to their encouragement. Her mother, a pillar of strength, fuels her latest series, "No Eye Can See Me." It draws inspiration from the resilience of women like her, weaving tales of empowerment and identity. Strong women—her mother, grandmothers, and aunts—shape the narrative, influencing her exploration of multifaceted identities in her art.

Art, for her, transcends mere escapism; it is a profound form of self-expression. As her canvases evolve, each stroke tells the story of her journey, echoing the intricate dance between her Lebanese and Nigerian roots. Her hope is that through her art, she can bridge worlds, challenge perceptions, and celebrate the rich tapestry of her heritage.