The OOA Gallery just opened an amazing exhibition titled “Origins and Connections“. Through the works of two amazing artists, Méné & Olivia M. Pendergast, the exhibition delves into the threads of African origin and connections.
The exhibition showcases two concurring worlds through amazing expressionist surreal works. On one end, Ivorian-born artist Menes’s works examine the different versions of the landscape that exists in our minds, surroundings, and contexts. Conversely, Olivia’s works, with improvisation, present the muses as blissful, humble, and existing in their realm. The exhibition is available both virtually and at their location in Barcelona.
Mene Ange Martialan‘s artistic counterpart bridges ancient African arts with the present. Born in 1977 in Ivory Coast, Mene combines traditional aspects of Ivorian culture, African tapestry, and cave art into his works. His surreal large pieces tell the story of the effects in his work as a conduit for ancestral threads. The large artworks feature woven creations resembling masks and woven baskets. His canvases become voices of our world’s anguish imploring us to mend its wounds. They speak of overexploitation as a clarion call for reparation.
Image courtesy of Artsy
Méné’s pieces possess an aura of initiation, echoing the ancient allure of cave art. Perspective is absent, thereby allowing the audience to explore with unbridled curiosity. Surrealism’s core —freedom— is embedded in his work, inviting viewers to traverse the canvas without constraint.
Speaking about his inspiration, Méné reflects, “Cave art holds the key to my creative wellspring. It’s not about imitation; it’s about channeling the spirit of discovery and unveiling. The primal therapeutic nature of ancestral painting fuels my artistic journey.”
Olivia Mae Pendergast’s artwork is a profound ode to the human spirit. Pendergast is a true artisan crafting a visual ballad that pays homage to the inherent worth of every individual. Each stroke she wields is a note in this symphony, resonating deeply within us.
The artworks are so personal that viewers interpret them with closed eyes. Her figures are familiar and enigmatic, a silent invitation to delve deeper. They beckon viewers to explore the canvas’s corners, each brushstroke deliberate, yielding a sense of unfinished completion—a metaphor for the ongoing journey of life.
Olivia Mae Pendergast and Méné each breathe life into their canvases in distinct yet equally profound ways. The dimensions of the canvas don’t confine their art, it transcends time and space, beckoning viewers to explore the rich tapestry of human experience and the complex interplay of emotions and ideas.
The exhibition is on till 10th September 2023.
