Searching for Roots and Expression — our latest contemporary art exhibition at 440

In Searching for Roots and Expression, Coutts Art Club has brought together the work of seven emerging and established black artists (Kingsley Ayogu, Michael J. Blebo, Ibim Cookey, Joshua Donkor, Joy Labinjo, Oluwole Omofemi and Orry Shenjobi) to celebrate the beauty, diversity and significance of contemporary African art.

The curator of the exhibition is Private Banker and gallerist Sochi Henry-Uche, he explained the rationale behind the exhibition, “Searching for Roots and Expression is more than just an exhibition; it is a collective pilgrimage, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in its eternal quest for connection and belonging.”

The exhibition is a diverse mix of artistic styles, representing the different stages of each artist’s journey says Sochi. “We were looking to provide opportunities to artists at different stages in their career. It was also important to have artists that have a strong connection to their background and heritage. Ultimately, we’re celebrating Black History Month and we’re celebrating African Contemporary art. We looked for artist that are doing wonderful things in this space.”

Ahead of an exclusive panel event bringing together clients and artists to mark the launch of Searching for Roots and Expression, we spoke to two of those featured in the exhibition.

Joshua Donkor’s Ghanaian-British experience is an important element of his art: “I think my dual heritage is crucial within my work… I grew up with completely different sides to my family… it shapes your perspective. You’re trying to come to terms with where you exist between two different worlds, art is a way of exploring yourself.  Inevitably your background does influence your work because it influences your perspective.”

Joshua concentrates on portraiture and it’s working with the sitter that is so important for his painting, “collaborating with my sitters is probably the most crucial bit of my work. In portraiture it’s important you have as much of your sitter’s influence as possible.”

The exhibition includes two portraits by Joshua: ‘I have more souls than one. Reap what you sow’ and ‘Sankofa’. Both portraits feature Joshua’s father, “They’re particularly special ones because they show him walking through an area of land that’s kind of the family farm in Ghana,” he says. “It’s an area of land I grew up hearing so much about. The idea of nature and new roots shooting, of replenishing the land is an amazing metaphor for diaspora.”

Further works by Joshua can be seen at DegreeArt Gallery.

The exhibition also includes portraits by Nigerian artist Oluwele Omofemi, including ‘Oju Oge’ and ‘Thought Process’. Asked what inspires him, Oluwole explained, “all the subjects are the people in my community. People I grew up with, people who have impacted my life, these are my biggest source of inspiration.”

For many in the UK, Oluwole may be best known as the last artist to be commissioned to paint a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Was it a challenge to paint someone so recognisable globally? “I’m used to painting black people so painting a white woman is like a kind of cultural shift for me, it was really something challenging and interesting for me and I also saw it as kind of an adventure for me.”

As part of the process, Oluwole surrounded himself with pictures of the late Queen. “The pictures helped my spirituality to connect with the Queen and I was happy that I was able to paint my truth as an artist.”

Asked if there was anyone he would like to paint, Oluwole mentioned his late mother. “I would choose my mum because she has a very beautiful soul.”

Further works by Oluwole can be seen at PieceUnique.

Managing Director Kristina Spasic, speaking at the opening of the exhibition explains, “The works on display remind us of the rich legacy of Black artists who have used their creative gifts to challenge injustice, celebrate identity and illuminate truths.”

“Art by black artists, is art for everyone.”

Coutts Art Club was established with the objective of bringing the best of the art world to our clients.

Find out how the Coutts Art Club can help you embark on a voyage of artistic discovery