Mother of Mankind
I Do Not Come To You as a Reality, I Come To You as the Myth by Jamilla Okubo
House of Fine Art presents a trailblazing group show featuring an exciting roster of contemporary artists. Scroll down for more ❤️️
A few weeks ago I visited HOFA Gallery to check out their latest exhibition, Mother of Mankind. I literally had to SPRINT through central London to get there before closing time but honestly, it was so worth it. Curated by ADA Contemporary’s Adora Mba, Mother of Mankind explores Black femininity in its many iterations. The highly anticipated group show features 16 female contemporary artists from across the globe, including rising stars Emma Prempeh and Sola Olulode.
(Fun fact: the ancient name for Africa was Alkebulan, which loosely translates to Mother of Mankind)
Memory Bank Error II by Ayobola Kekere-ekun
Spotlighting a number of figurative works, the show examines the plurality of Black life through vivid colour. From the textured collages of Marcellina Akpojotor to the striking paper works of Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, the exhibition dismantles notions of identity, sexuality and empowerment, through the lens of Black femininity.
Her Element by Cinthia Sifa Mulanga
Each artist presents a new and exciting approach to figurative painting, reimagining a practice that for so long excluded women. With elegant forms and Modernist interiors, Cinthia Sifa Mulanga creates captivating mixed-media canvases. Whilst Sola Olulode’s dreamy compositions celebrate queer love with warm hues of yellow and deep blue ink.
Every Night We Fall Deeper by Sola Olulode
Everyday Gets Hotter Than the One Before by Sola Olulode
Employing oils, acrylics, paper, and imitation gold leaf, Emma Prempeh depicts vulnerability. In her large-scale diptych titled, Limbo, she confides in her audience, telling them “I’m alone but I’m not lonely.” Engulfed in darkness, Limbo captures a shared sense of uncertainty.
With each artist offering a unique visual language, Mother of Mankind amplifies the voices of young Black women, recognising them as drivers of culture. The presence of these paintings within a prominent gallery space is particularly significant, as it signals a greater shift within the contemporary art canon.
As you may be aware, Black women artists have been historically underrepresented throughout art history, with many, such as the late Emma Amos, only receiving wider recognition posthumously. It is a sad reality that Black women rarely receive recognition for their original ideas, whether on Tik Tok or in the world of political activism. Mother of Mankind gives credit where credit is due, paving the way for a new reality, one that not only includes but, more importantly, celebrates Black women artists.
Three Graces by Sophia Oshodin
Through nuanced portrayals of the Black female form, these emerging artists rewrite existing narratives, using their practice as tools for social change. They offer audiences a chance to experience Blackness through a kaleidoscopic lens, and in doing so, they carve a space for women who look like them. All in all, the exhibition serves as a form of self-love, celebrating identity through visual storytelling, and challenging historical depictions of Black femininity (Édouard Manet I’m looking at you lmao).
On a final note, I really enjoyed this exhibition and I encourage anyone who hasn’t already seen it to visit HOFA when they have the chance! Adora Mba is a true champion of underrepresented artists, demonstrating dedication and a great eye for emerging talent. Through compelling portrayals of Black femininity, the show evokes a strong sense of sisterhood. Mother of Mankind ultimately proves that there is strength in unity.
Limbo (Diptych) by Emma Prempeh
The show runs until August 31st 2021.