Signature African Art is pleased to announce its autumn exhibition programme with solo shows by Nigerian artist Oluwole Omofemi, opening on 1 September 2021 and by South African artist Giggs Kgole, opening on 5 October 2021.

Following successful group shows presented by acclaimed entertainment and sports personalities, American film director Ava DuVernay and British-Nigerian rugby player Maro Itoje, Signature African Art is delighted to present new work by two early-career artists who focus on themes of identity, history and beauty.

Nigerian artist Oluwole Omofemi presents his second solo exhibition at Signature African Art, London from 1 – 30 September 2021. With record-breaking sales in auction this year, Omofemi returns to the gallery to unveil In Our Days, a show of new work which reflects on the advancement of African women over the last generation.

In Our Days celebrates the emancipation of women and features over 10 new works in the artist’s iconic, vibrant colour palette of oil and acrylic paint. Omofemi simultaneously lauds the beauty of African women in these works whilst interrogating their evolution and the more active and vocal role they play in shaping today’s society compared with previous generations.

The exhibition features paintings such as Virgin (2021) which comments on outdated views of women’s purity and the freedom of their bodies which women have reclaimed. Further works on view include Solidarity (2021) which highlights the political relegation of women and their fight to regain their power and rights. The work features two women with their arms raised in the sign of the Black Power fist, alluding not only to the Black Power Movement that swept the global African diaspora in the late 1960’s to the 1980’s but also to the more recent Black Lives Matter protests.

My art is a reflection of my personal life and environment. I look forward to returning to Signature African Art, London to present new works that celebrate the emancipation of women.

(Oluwole Omofemi, artist).

South African artist Giggs Kgole presents his first solo exhibition at Signature African Art, London from 5 – 30 October 2021. Badimo Ba Kgole (Kgole’s Gods) is an exploration of Kgole’s personal journey and growth from a village boy to an internationally exhibited artist.

Badimo Ba Kgole (Kgole’s Gods) pays tribute to the artist’s roots and heritage, revealing the influence that his ancestors and the rural village of Limpopo in which he was raised, has had on his artistic practice. Featuring over 15 new works, the exhibition shares near death experiences and moments of hardship in Kgole’s life and career, illustrated through his popular style of composite photographic images.

Visitors to the exhibition are invited to view works in the show through 3D glasses, providing an intimate look into the artist’s private world. Badimo Ba Kgole (Kgole’s Gods) is a moment of selfreflection as Kgole considers his place in the wider web of life and his future. Kgole has also collaborated with award-winning actress, Mylène Gomera, on a performance piece to accompany the exhibition.

I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams. When you see me and my masterpieces you won’t just see Kgole, you’ll get to experience all combinations of existence that’s made me.

(Giggs Kgonamotse Kgole, artist)