The Nigerian-American artist\u2019s solo debut in the Middle East is an exhibition of painting and sculpture that continues his exploration of Nsibidi, an ancient Nigerian graphic communication system.<\/p>\n
A tribute to the power of dialogue and collective human experiences, this new body of work \u2013 developed during a residency at NYUAD \u2013 sees the artist return to the use of wood, a medium that he employed regularly in the 1990s and 2000s while living in Lagos. Also on show: four new metal sculptures and two previously unseen works on canvas.<\/p>\n
The pieces are painted with Ekpuk\u2019s own unique language of abstraction, made up of intricate scripture, symbols and mark-making inspired by the pictograms of Nsibidi to confront the heritage and history of the African diaspora as a means of considering its present and its future.<\/p>\n
It also provokes viewers to consider the wide-ranging nature of calligraphy, spiritual art and writings used within sacred spaces; and this exhibition forms part of the inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale (1 – 31 October), of which Efie Gallery is a partner. Ekpuk also will be unveiling a specially commissioned public installation in d3 for the Calligraphy Biennale. Measuring 4m high and 6m wide, Ekpuk\u2019s interactive aluminium installation is also covered in his Nsibidi-inspired symbolic script.<\/p>\n
To 21 November.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"