Desire Lines
A Group Exhibition Featuring
Emmanuel Adeyemi
Lawrence Meju
Roseleen Labazacchy
Thuthukani Myeza
desire line
/dɪˈzʌɪə lʌɪn/
noun
an unplanned route or path (such as one worn into a grassy surface by repeated foot traffic) that is used by pedestrians in preference to or in the absence of a designated alternative (such as a paved pathway)
‘A desire path is a path that is formed when people choose not to use the path that you have paved for them. It’s the shortest or otherwise most convenient way for them to get from point A to point B.’ – Jussi Ahola (2013)
Affinity Art gallery is pleased to announce Desire Lines a group exhibition featuring four emerging artists from Nigeria and South Africa. The selected artists, Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lawrence Meju, Roseleen Labazacchy and Thuthukani Myeza utilize a variety of mediums and materials to create new meanings and interpretations.
The exhibition explores the concept of what it means to go down the ‘road not taken’ and the myriad outcomes that could be awaiting on the other side. The works implore one to notice that path on the side, to pay attention to the narrow road with the rough edges, to hone in on the barely visible route with very few people on it. Indeed desire lines mandate that one be in tune with themselves and their environment, if not how do you even know they are there? Humanity and evolution have come so far with wonders in industry, technology and science but these artists argue that along the way society may have lost some things that are crucial to our humanity as individuals and as a collective, and one of the ways to regain that humanity is to step out of the way.
Lawrence Meju’s works invite the viewer to a place of introspection where we explore our “mindscape”, face all our emotions and who we are head-on, and in doing so reconnect to our true selves. His technique is a rejection of the ‘rules’ and principles of hyperrealism and instead distils the human form down to its bare essentials without sacrificing beauty, connection and meaning.
Emmanuel Adeyemi’s works are about tapping into our subconscious by connecting with nature and the universe around us. He argues that only when we tune into that frequency, can we truly achieve peace and harmony in the world and within ourselves. His process of cutting up foam into tiny pieces that ultimately become part of his large paintings, further the idea that to build, we must first break down.
Roseleen Labazacchy largely focuses on a single major message with her works; and that is the glorification of the African woman. Not by others, but by herself. Her works depict African women in bold colours, sometimes militant, sometimes defiant, sometimes peaceful but at all times self-assured. She uses fabric, some of which she dyes herself, to signify the uniqueness of her subjects.
Thuthukani Myeza’s works are about the power of the narrative. He has seized the reins of power to tell our own stories, the stories of the people. His works redraw the lines and boundaries of what we have accepted as fact and truth with the words he juxtaposes in his images prompting the viewer to ask questions about their history and reality.
Opening: Sunday, September 4 | 2pm
Venue: Affinity Art Gallery, Unit 2, 1-7 Muri Okunola, VI, Lagos
