Art Pantheon Gallery is pleased to present Toward Self-Making, an exhibition reflecting on
individuals, individual autonomy, self-definition, solitude, introspection, and beauty. The
three artists in the exhibition take different approaches toward thinking about the individual
and notions of the self. Their paintings serve somewhat to peel back layers to make certain
questions apparent—who is a person? And how do people become who they are? What about
each of us is irreducible?

In Toju Clarke's work, figures in plain clothes and self-assured postures are centered in the
canvas. The colours are clear and bright but not flashy, not overtly vivid. The backgrounds are
also clear, filled largely with one colour. The centrality and assuredness of the figures and of
the artist, are the point.

Abisola Gbadamosi paints the feminine form with whorls and bewitching colours. Flowers,
fairy dust, beautiful lines and lustrous hues are the hallmarks of her canvas. For Gbadamosi,
the individual—the woman—is a being of enchantment. The world they occupy and make is
one of beauty, and because it is beautiful it is powerful.

Solitude, quiet, self-education are important to David Olatoye. His figures are reading, are
reclining, are seemingly at peace. The colours have the calm, soothing tones of mild sunlight at
midday. The figures are sophisticated and aspirational as can be seen in the title of books
they're reading. One has the name of the popular African American actress: "Viola Davis". The
other is The Love Songs of W. E. B. du Bois. They are people in whom, perhaps, we see aspects
of ourselves. Or perhaps, they are people we would like to be.

Toward Self-Making reminds us that it is impossible to fully see ourselves and others. The
artists are aiding us, in their own way, to look again.