Lulama Wolf. I Was Born Wrapped In A White Blanket - 4 February to 4 March 2022

London - SoShiro gallery is honoured to present an exhibition of new works by 27-year-old South African visual artist Lulama Wolf. On view from 4 February to 4 March, the exhibition titled Ndizalwe nge ngubo emhlophe (I was born wrapped in a white blanket), features new works from Wolf’s recent month-long residency in Antibes, France, for the Undiscovered Canvas Art Residency Program for emerging African artists. One of the most exciting new faces in the art world, Wolf’s work is at the intersection of neo-expressionism and modern African art, whilst interrogating the pre-colonial African experience through the contemporary mind.

Wolf’s style and approach is rooted in her African heritage. She often uses the smearing, scraping, and deep pigment technique and patterns that were traditionally used by women to decorate African homes. History and the proof of life are the core concepts in her work. Where there has rarely been reference of black spirituality in life, Wolf counters that narrative by creating two dimensional paintings to embody the simplicity and deep spiritual power of the native eye.

For this new exhibition, Wolf will be presenting a series of paintings, and an intricate textile installation which will investigate different expressions and variations of spirituality and yearnings of rest. The works will also explore Wolf’s connection to her experience in Antibes, a coastal city in the south of France, known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts and surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Wolf’s style and approach is rooted in her African heritage. She often uses the smearing, scraping, and deep pigment technique and patterns that were traditionally used by women to decorate African homes. History and the proof of life are the core concepts in her work. Where there has rarely been reference of black spirituality in life, Wolf counters that narrative by creating two dimensional
paintings to embody the simplicity and deep spiritual power of the native eye.
For this new exhibition, Wolf will be presenting a series of paintings, and an intricate textile installation which will investigate different expressions and variations of spirituality and yearnings of rest. The works will also explore Wolf’s connection to her experience in Antibes, a coastal city in the south of France, known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts and surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

Ceramics by Ladi Kwali

Ladi Kwali (Nigerian, 1925-1984)
Water Jar, circa 1962, Stoneware, impressed LK and Abuja Pottery seals
H 32.1cm

Supporting Wolf’s exhibition is Maak Contemporary Ceramics, London, presenting a curated selection of stoneware water jars by influential Nigerian artist Ladi Kwali (Nigeria, 1925-1984). Like Wolf, potter Kwali’s work is rooted in her African heritage. Her use of traditional forms, stoneware material and high fired glazes explores the synergy between African and European culture and tradition.

Ladi Kwali was born in Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria, a village of traditional potters producing functional coiled vessels. She began potting at a young age and as an established potter joined British potter, Michael Cardew at the Training Centre in Abuja in 1952. It was here she began throwing stoneware and experimenting with slips and glazes. In 1958 Kwali’s work was exhibited to great acclaim at the Berkeley Galleries in London. This pivotal point in her career brought her international recognition and elevated her work beyond the traditional functional vessel to become art objects. The group of water jars are from the Private Collection of the late Dr John P. Driscoll and will be offered for sale by auction at Maak in spring 2022.

SoShiro
23 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8DZ
www.soshiro.co

 

Lulama Wolf

Lulama Wolf (b. 1993) is a visual artist who lives and works in Johannesburg, South Africa. Wolf studied fine art and fashion at the University of Johannesburg where her expressionist and abstract interest asserted itself as she became more involved in her practice. She has been exposed to and known for different forms of expression through photography and mixed-media digital collages.

She was the finalist of the The Emergence Art Prize hosted by THK gallery (2020). Her group exhibitions so far include: Rendevous 2, SMITH gallery, Cape Town (2018); Apartment Vol 2, the fourth gallery, Cape Town (2020); Boulevard d’Aguilon, Undiscovered Canvas, Antibes (2020), Reflect, reimagine, reset, THK gallery, Cape Town (2020) 1-54 at Christies, Paris (2021) 1-54 at Somerset House, London (2021) Nature of women, Art She Says, New York (2021) Ndoimadzi, both project space, Johannesburg (2021) Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt, FNB art Joburg, Johannesburg (2021) ARTXLagos, Nigeria (2021) embodied cognition, THK gallery, Cape Town (2021) Remaining Vernacular, Homage to vernacular art and texture, Affinity gallery, Nigeria, (2021).

 

The Undiscovered Canvas Residency Program

Founded by Nomaza Coupez, the Undiscovered Canvas Art Residency Program fosters creativity, research, and experimentation through its international residency program for emerging artists. Since 2019 Undiscovered Canvas artist-in-residency has hosted several artists working in Africa. Located in Antibes, France, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Undiscovered Canvas offers time and space in a contemplative and supportive environment, giving residents the freedom to think, create, and connect. Undiscovered Canvas encourages crucial exploratory work, with a focus on the emerging contemporary art scene. The focus of the artist-in-residency program is providing individual support and establishing connections between the artists in the program and the wider international context, considering that the French Riviera was once home to the world's greatest modern artists including Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet, and others. Undiscovered Canvas offers a wide range of services, which include providing curatorial support in the implementation of the artists’ projects, supplying technical infrastructure and materials, presenting the projects produced at the residency, advertising all events organized by the resident artists, holding “Open Studio” events, and inviting the artists to take part in larger
projects including exhibitions and commissions.
Through these programs, Undiscovered Canvas supports local international artists in realizing their projects and establishing their creative practice on an international scale. Additionally, Undiscovered Canvas emphasizes the importance of self-care during the residency and advocates for artists to take time in learning how to balance work and restoration.
www.undiscovered-canvas.com

Maak Contemporary Ceramics

Maak Contemporary Ceramics is the preeminent auction house and art consultancy dedicatedto the foremost international studio ceramic art. Established in 2009, Maak have been presenting regular auctions in London and through their online auction platform to a global audience for over a decade. Entrusted with the sale of important private collections, such as the Miami Private Collection in 2019 and the Dayabandhu Collection in 2020 and the Dr John P Driscoll Collection in 2021 as well as distinguished individual works, Maak are uniquely positioned to present the finest selections of studio ceramics through their highly anticipated auction program. Over the course of a decade, Maak has been at the forefront in raising the profile of studio ceramics. Through their consistent dedication to cultivating the international market, Maak have been able to grow an audience reaching across 100 countries with auction sale records exceeding £5.5 million hammer. Maak provides specialist consultancy services to private collectors and institutions around the world with their specialist focus allowing them to nurture this thriving market. Maak’s online
presence offers a comprehensive resource for ceramic enthusiasts and includes news on the most up-to-date events and insider knowledge on the ceramic’s market. Visit www.maaklondon.com for further information or contact us at info@maaklondon.com
Instagram: @maakceramics
Facebook: Maak Contemporary Ceramics
Twitter: @MaakCeramics

 

SoShiro

SoShiro is an art, craft and design gallery encompassing five floors of a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Marylebone, London, which officially opened its doors in September 2020. The gallery is a 360-degree cultural hub that not only produces, curates and showcases collections inspired by global cultures but also acts as a creative incubator and event space. The new gallery is the brainchild of Shiro Muchiri; a Kenyan-born, Italian-trained interior architect, designer, curator, and tastemaker. Today, Muchiri oversees the curation of

SoShiro’s collectible artefacts and collaborates with artists and designers all over the world to create special pieces exclusive to SoShiro. Shiro Muchiri beginning her career in her native city of Nairobi, Shiro Muchiri immersed herself in the bustling environment of a successful design studio before traveling to Milan to formally train in design. In 2002, Muchiri launched Interni Design Studio, where, as an interior architect, she led a team in London designing residential and workspace environments for exacting, international clients. While working on her own collection of furniture and accessories, she became passionate about the process of making and how craftsmanship, design and art have the power to communicate heritage. Muchiri set out to provide a space where contemporary designers and artists can share their local, traditional stories.
Instagram: @so.shiro
Facebook: @SoShiro.London
LinkedIn: @SoShiro
Pinterest: @SoShiroLondon
Twitter: SoShiro_london