GR Gallery is pleased to present Times Are Changing, an extensive duo exhibition featuring the latest production of Nigerian artists David Olatoye Babatunde and Victor Olaoye, integrated in the same event for the first time. The show will reveal 18 acute artworks, executed with the artists signature techniques and expressly created for this occurrence, designed to guide the visitor into a rare cultural journey represented by noble characters, inspired by the artists personal involvements and akin by colorful and aesthetically sophisticated traditional ensemble.
Olaoye Victor and Olatoye David have been good friends for very long time and almost grew up together, they've been influencing each other practice during the years and this close relationship strongly inspired the duality of the show. They have been working closely for about one year in the preparation of this exhibition, and sealed this collaboration with a preeminent artwork, 'Just Like Sisters', executed together, on the same canvas.
Times are Changing seeks to reveal a sense of exploring the relationship between people and shared spaces. The works in the exhibition capture moments in time, each representing a chamber of reflection, all solely painted from the interaction of the artists with their immediate environment, family and culture.
With this body of works, David explores spaces in a new dimension. He engaged in dreamlands, a beacon of hope to bring his future to reality. He wants every audience of his work to sit in these spaces and experience the wonders of family life. David in most of his works expresses sisterhood, a reflection of his two sisters, however, in this body of work, he also depicted male characters. The male figures are a reflection of his personal life as a man in his environment, used to express his struggle and his current state of mind; an autobiographical expression of who he is and who he wants to be. Tomorrow is not promised and we can only rely on our hope. Hope is all about time, which will make you empirical with choices and actions, hope can only be found in a functional home, where positivity lives.
Victor’s works are based on the elements of fashion, traditional tie, dye fabrics and African textiles. Exploring the beauty within his culture and people, allowing this to serve as a moment of connection with the past, highlighting the present and how fashion and culture relate with it in a global society. The figuration in Victor’s work is ambiguous, pulling attention upon the figure and evoking a sense stillness that guides the viewer into the beauty of the fabrics interacting with the characters. The theme of duality is dominantly explored in these works, inducing the idea of sameness, a possibility of two individuals sharing togetherness while totally opposite yet identical. As opposed to the prior perception of the world of African culture and people, Victor reveals the dynamics and excellences of his culture, affirming the reality of the world coming to see the beauty of African tradition and art.
Representing the artists cultural and historical context, Olatoye and Olaoye explore 'times are changing' as an evolution and perception of the spaces and culture they interact with. David and Victor examine figuration with a focus on the figures identity and scenes. Duality, vibrant colors, figurative compositions, abstraction and imaginary landscape reveal sameness of the artists thoughts expressed within their works. Motivated by this sameness, explored within their work and deeply rooted in their personal history, David and Victor's works are connected to the past, as they both look into their background, and the evolution of cultural perception and personal experiences ,with its connection to the present ,looking forward with hope to what the future holds.
