GR Gallery is pleased to present “Times Are Changing”, an extensive duo exhibition featuring the latest production of Nigerian artists David Olatoye Babatunde and Victor Olaoye, integrated in the same event for the first time. The show will reveal 18 acute artworks, executed with the artists signature techniques and expressly created for this occurrence, designed to guide the visitor into a rare cultural journey represented by noble characters, inspired by the artists’s personal involvements and akin by colorful and aesthetically sophisticated traditional ensemble. Opening on March 2nd.
Victor Olaoye and David Olatoye have been good friends for very long time and almost grew up together, they’ve been influencing each other practice during the years and this close relationship strongly inspired the duality of the show. They have been working closely, almost together, for about one year in the preparation of this exhibition, and sealed this collaboration with a preeminent artwork, ‘Just Like Sisters‘, executed together, on the same canvas
“Times are Changing” seeks to reveal a sense of exploring the relationship between people and shared spaces. The works in the exhibition capture moments in time, each representing a chamber of reflection, all solely painted from the interaction of the artists with their immediate environment, family and culture.
Representing the artists cultural and historical context, Olatoye and Olaoye explore ‘times are changing’ as an evolution and perception of the spaces and culture they interact with. David and Victor examine figuration with a focus on the figures identity and scenes. Duality, vibrant colors, figurative compositions, abstraction and imaginary landscape reveal sameness of the artists thoughts expressed within their works. Motivated by this sameness, explored within their work and deeply rooted in their personal history, David and Victor’s works are connected to the past, as they both look into their background, and the evolution of cultural perception and personal experiences ,with its connection to the present ,looking forward with hope to what the future holds.
David Olatoye (b. 1995, Ogun State, Nigeria) received his Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the highly regarded Obafemi Awolowo University in Ife, Nigeria in 2015. Olatoye uses his canvas to reimagine a home free of hardship and he employs acrylics and pen to stage lush and muted tones of quiet, elegant domestic interiors centered around modestly resolute women – an autobiographical stance given the status of female family figures in his own personal life. These modern portraits reveal the artist’s undeniable predilection for the past while leaning in sharply to the future. His works have featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Africa, Europe and the U.S.
Victor Olaoye ( 2000, Nigeria). Following the traditional artistry, he graduated with B.A.(ED), Obafemi Awolowo University (Ace, Ondo) Nigeria in 2019. Working predominantly in local dye, acrylics and traditional techniques, Victor is known for his technique of painting the fabric with the exact materials of which it was made (Adire) which shows the richness and beauty of his culture. Drawing inspirations from his culture and people he captures the personality and form of the wearer transferred into clothing testifying of their emotions. His intentional erasure and bold dark silhouette with printed flowers raises questions around politics of clothing and its role in constructing human identity.
David Olatoye | Victor Olaoye: Times Are Changing will be on view from March 2 to March 26 at GR Gallery, 255 Bowery, between Houston and Stanton Streets, NYC. An Opening Reception will be held on March 2 from 6-8pm with RSVP.