Miranda Forrester explores the queer Black female gaze in painting vis a vis the history of men painting women naked. Her work addresses the invisibility of Black women in the western history of art. She investigates how painting is able to re-articulate the language and history of life drawing through a queer Black feminist and desiring lens. In doing so, she depicts what the male gaze may not be able to see.
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. ...
