The artwork features a stark contrast between the neutral-toned wall and the prominent black geometric shapes arranged in a striking composition. The overall impression is one of minimalism and balance, with the viewer's attention drawn to the interplay of light and shadow created by the distinct forms. The artist's precise technique and intentional use of negative space evoke a sense of contemplation, inviting the viewer to engage with the work's underlying conceptual themes. This piece exemplifies the hallmarks of contemporary abstract art, challenging traditional notions of representation and encouraging a deeper, introspective exploration of the viewer's perceptions. ...
Motunrayo Akinola transforms everyday materials into immersive environments that explore themes of migration, belonging, and post-colonial identity. Drawing from his dual upbringing in London and Lagos, he uses sculpture, installation, sound, and performance to investigate how domestic objects and architectural forms evoke cultural narratives and personal histories. His practice reimagines familiar spaces and objects to challenge perceptions of comfort, ownership, and the politics of space. Akinola constructs tactile environments that balance intimacy and institutional rigidity, encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of cultural integration and historical legacies. Central to his work is the way materials trigger emotions and memories, serving as vessels for exploring identity and belonging. Through his multidisciplinary approach, Akinola invites contemplation on how space and objecthood influence personal and collective experience. ...
Based in a 360 sqm gallery in Woodstock, Cape Town, blank was founded by Jonathan Garnham as a project space in 2005 and transitioned into a commercial gallery during 2012. The gallery represents emerging and increasingly established artists from the region in a critically engaged programme that emphasises contemporaneity, with a focus on concept and abstraction in the African context. With an exhibition programme that has a reputation for shaping the discourse around contemporary art in South(ern) Africa, and participation in prominent local and international art fairs, we seek to place our artists' work in a wide range of private and institutional collections. In addition, blank continues to promote the visual arts in our community through ongoing projects that support the sector. ...
