Trendy Pop: MoCADA and Chelsea Collide for the Sake of Art

The art world has always seemed somewhat impenetrable mainly because of the intimidation factor associated with such indelible genius.

But yesterday ushered in a new disposition because I was able to fully bask in the glory of opulently erected creativity embedded in seamlessly erected décor.

Diggs and Hillel Opening Reception

My only invitation was to the Opening Reception for Diggs & Hillel at the Claire Oliver Gallery in Chelsea. I was looking forward to this one because I am duly familiar with the subjects in question, established and revered photographers, Isaac Diggs and Edward Hillel are my cohorts, and their new book, 125^th: Time in Harlem is a brilliant manifest brimming with undiluted images eloquently captured by the lenses of these masters of interpretation.

The showing was a major success, the crowds were enthralled and engaged, and the exhibition created an atmosphere seeped in conversational endurance and fortified by the opaque elements in transit.

Do yourself a favor and stop by the gallery located at 513 West 26^th Street and take in Harlem in all its visual glory doused with carvings of urban hysteria and concurrent tidings.

You have until November 23^rd – For more on the exhibit and the artists, click here.

One of the things I love about New York City is its ability to induce intellectual spontaneity just when you need it the most. I was lucky enough to experience  the perfect example of a quintessential night on the town, complete with wine, h’orderves, simulating conversation and what I would like to call “art hopping”.

I ran into a childhood friend of mine who enviably spends her days and nights scouring for new and emerging artists while also championing the established set. She immediately kidnapped me and we headed across the street to take another inspirational display lent out by talents worldwide. As we took in the splendor, we were pleasantly accosted by another group of fellow gawkers who convinced us to follow them to MoCADA in Brooklyn to bare witness to another exhibit titled The Six Draughtsmen. This exhibition featured six Nigerian artists who are fast becoming trailblazers in the world of contemporary and experimental art. As fellow Nigerians, we all felt an immense sense of duty to support out compatriots.

Once we arrived we were greeted by a reverie of spirited dancers and energy so enchanted, you could have flown in from Ireland and still been entranced.

Six Draughtmen Opening Reception

It was an immaculately executed showing, each of the artists (Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze (curator), Toyin Odutola, Temitayo Ogunbiyi, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Nnenna Okore and Odun Orimolade) demonstrated their inherent levels of aptitude with a parade of imagery that included well manicured drawings with primal renderings  and ambiguously derived installations.

We were engulfed in an environment that challenged our sensory patterns and made us proud of the fact that the art scene has truly become an epidemic in our homeland.

It was the appropriate ending for a night of whimsical wonders.

For more information on the Six Draughtsmen Opening Reception click here.

Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze – Our Marriage is a fraud but the love is real 2013 – Pencil, ink, photo transfer

Temitope Ogunbiyi – Remembering to Forget 2013 – Digitally printed textile, greeting cards, Lovely Text Message Books, and other mixed media

Nnenna Okore – Untold 2013 – Plaster, jute and ink