Bunmi Agusto

Bunmi Agusto is a world-builder (artist, writer, curator and art historian) focused on fantasy and magical storytelling. In her practice, she combines painting, drawing and printmaking to create vibrant compositions of a fantasy world she calls ‘Within’. Within is a paracosm in the artist’s mind that functions as a repository for all that she encounters in her waking life. The figures in her work are often family, friends and passersby pulled from reality and into her world as cross-reality migrants through their encounters with her. As a result, Within is a reflection of her own interiority as she uses the otherworldly braided landscape as a site to explore psychology, cultural theory, spirituality and the evolution of selfhood through the lens of fantasy. ...

Founded in London in 2011 by Maria Varnava, Tiwani Contemporary exhibits and represents international contemporary artists. Specifically, the gallery champions artists from Africa and its diaspora. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, in February 2022 Tiwani Contemporary launched a purpose-built 2,000sq ft space on Victoria Island, Lagos. For Maria Varnava, who grew up in Nigeria, this is considered a homecoming. Besides its regular programme of exhibitions, Tiwani Contemporary Lagos collaborates with G.A.S –Guest Artists Space–, Yinka Shonibare’s Foundation, to offer residencies for international artists from the programme who are interested in expanding their creative practice and exchanging with local artists. The gallery aims to collaborate and contribute to the arts ecosystem in Lagos through its programme of exhibitions, talks and publications. The gallery is a regular exhibitor at Art X Lagos. Meanwhile, Tiwani Contemporary runs a programme of exhibitions in London and its programme of International Art Fairs. ...