Patrons Modern & Contemporary African Art

Artist Spotlight: Charmaine Chanakira 🇿🇼

Charmaine Chanakira describes her art as a quirky mixture of manga and her Zimbabwean heritage. Her inspiration comes from listening to bands like Lady Blacksmith Mambazo and Oliver Mtukudzi as the sound of the mbira returns her consciousness to the motherland. Growing up in London left her feeling disconnected from her roots and she began to seek ways to reconnect with her ancestry. In these moments of self-reflection, she discovered in her art. As a self-professed spiritual hippy, Charmaine believes that art unlocks different aspects of ourselves that we cannot see in our conscious life. She says, “Every time I paint, I feel like I’m getting to meet a new part of me and that is what makes my art unique.”

"The Queen" by Adeola Balogun

In the realm of elegance and wisdom, a queen stands tall, her grace echoing through the corridors of power. With regal poise, she navigates challenges, weaving threads of benevolence and strength. Her leadership is a beacon, guiding her realm to prosperity. Long live the queen, a paragon of majesty and compassion. This piece was exhibited at the third edition of the small & Iconic Exhibition themed Artssembly.

The Queen
Medium: Multiple Mediums
Dimension: 22” x 9” x 12”
Year: 2023
   

Patrons Artist Spotlight: Adeola Balogun

Adeola Balogun is well recognized as a prolific contemporary Nigerian artist. He has built a reputation in his prowess manipulating sculpture mediums however his artistry transcends this distinction traversing other regions of the visual arts. This he realizes through uncanny capacity in transforming mundane materials that have seemingly lost their primary purpose into object of remarkable aesthetic contemplation, imbued with multilayered meanings. 

Over the years, Balogun has carefully nurtured a reputation for himself as a sculptor who animates his material with an eye for fluidity. This is a fluidity that brings to life items of daily use which may seem to have fallen into disuse, but are revived by the artist’s wish to make them stand again and speak in that way in which sculptural art, for all its fixity, is able to speak to our imagination. His creative trajectory straddles diverse mediums, techniques and concepts in sifting and espousing the essence and the crystallization of his subject.
 

"Interception" by Lambert Shumbusho

Interception tells a story of the artist’s attempt to intercept the ageing process of sunken wood aged over 300 years. The artist deliberately preserves the original characterof the wood; the fine lines, the contours and curves, fired up to reveal intricate details as art, suitable as aside table or miniature coffee table.

Interception

300+ years aged Iron wood

30" x 20" x 19"

2023

   

"Kumwe (Together)" by Lambert Shumbusho

Kumwe in Kinyarwanda means Together.

A friendship chair for intimate conversations to be shared between two friends or spouses.

More than a chair, this artistic representation is warm and inviting, seeking connection, signally uniformity. The bench can also be seen as a metaphor for life. The smooth lines and curves of the wood represent the journey of life, the tanned tones create a sense of warmth and comfort, the dark colour represents the challenges that we face along the way, and the dark sturdy wooden legs reveal the depth of our experiences.

The bench is a reminder of the simple things in life, and the importance to relax and enjoy the moment. It also reminds us that we can overcome any obstacles if we are willing to persevere.

Medium: 300+ years aged Iron wood

Size: 26" x 45" x 23.5"

Year: 2023

"The Family" by Justine gaga. The artist presents a family unit in her own unique way using oblong shaped heads and long body forms, to represent a typical family unit in all of today’s world glory. This piece was exhibited at the fifth edition of the small and iconic exhibition themed V in Focus.

Medium: Posca and collage on canvas

Size: 10.62" x 7.48"

Year: 2023

   

"Me, Myself & I" by Odare Adenuga

"Me, myself & I" symbolizes the different dimensions of an individual's identity. "Me" typically refers to the outward or social self, "myself" relates to the inner or introspective self, and "I" represents the individual's core or ego. This piece expresses self-awareness, introspection, and the multifaceted nature of one's identity.

This piece was exhibited at the fifth edition of the small and iconic exhibition themed V in Focus.

Media: Rope sculpture

Dimension: 35x 20" x 8"

"A love letter" by Thabiso Dakamela. This piece depicts a heartfelt written expression of affection and emotion addressed to someone special. It often conveys deep feelings, appreciation, and a declaration of love, capturing the artists sentiments in a personal and intimate way.

A love letter

Acrylic and oil on canvas

23” x 16.5”

2023

   

"Johnny journey" by Abrifor silas

Johnny Journey is a painting that captures the essence of life's unpredictable journey. It serves as a visual metaphor for the unexpected challenges and obstacles one encounters along the path of life.

Despite the hardships depicted, the painting carries a message of resilience and determination, encouraging the viewer to persevere even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It conveys the idea that, in the midst of adversity, there is always hope and the potential for personal growth and transformation.

Johnny Journey

Acrylic, marker and pastel on canvas

24” x 19.5”

2023

Art Festival Spotlight: The Chale Wote Street Art Festival

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival is primarily about celebrating and promoting art, culture, and creativity in Accra, Ghana.

It provides a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talents through various forms of street art, including graffiti, mural painting, performances, installations, and more. The festival also focuses on cultural exchange, encouraging collaboration between artists and fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

It often explores social and political themes, making it a platform for thought-provoking art and dialogue. Overall, the Chale Wote Street Art Festival is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of art and culture in the heart of Accra.

Art Collecting Tip: Understanding Different Art Mediums

Understanding different art mediums involves exploring the unique characteristics, techniques, and materials associated with each medium. Here's a general approach to understanding them.

ART SHOWCASE: The Divine Feminine ( Unconditional Love )

This piece represents the unconditional love a mother has for her child, no matter what race or culture. To love no matter what, to be all things to that child, rock and protector, teacher, confidante, friend, ally, to push that child forward out of its comfort zone with confidence, and to be the cushion if that child should fall. Encouraging that child to get right back up. Teaching her child to find its own sense of self, its own personality, values, and truth.

Artist: Kirsten Todd
Medium: Acrylic on canvas, 76x50cm,
Year: 2019

   

rtist Spotlight: Cassi Namoda
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: CASSI NAMODA

Cassi Namoda (born in 1988) is a painter whose work transfigures the cultural mythologies and historical narratives of life in post-colonial Africa, particularly those of the artist’s native Mozambique 🇲🇿.

Namoda’s paintings are highly elusive, drawing upon literary, cinematic and architectural influences that capture the expansiveness of her specifically Luso-African vantage point.

The idiosyncratic subjects who appear and reappear in Namoda’s paintings also convey this hybridity: they emerge from African indigenous religions just as much as they spring from Western mythologies. Her work borrows from an art historical canon and arises from vernacular photography in equal measure. While they appear straightforward, her images are conceptually rigorous and portray figures with complex narratives.

Namoda is equally attentive to landscape, creating scenes that depict both the rural and the urban through a surreal lens. Having lived in Haiti, the United States, Kenya, Benin, Uganda and other countries, Namoda has acquired a grasp of place that is at once grounded and subversive.

   

3)

" Like A Plant" by abriforsilas abriforsilax was a jewel on the crown at the fifth edition of the small & Iconic Exhibition themed V in Focus.

In this painting, the artist attempts to tie the harmonious connection between man and the world of nature. The fallen leaves represent the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. Like a plant, mankind grows and needs nourishment. In order to survive, one must situate himself or herself on good soil so as to be well rooted.

Medium: Acrylic pastel and markers on canvas

Dimension: 24.5” x 18”

Year: 2023


# artinlagos

" Alora" by thabisodakamela   is an oustanding piece which was exhibited at the V in Focus exhibition . It was beauty to behold

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimension: 23" x 15.5"

Year: 2023

# artinlagos    

Lambert Shumbusho's wooden works invite us to contemplate the interwoven relationship between art, people, and the environment.

His reclaimed wood pieces blur the lines between art and everyday objects, embodying both beauty and functionality.

The quirky stool titled, "Lady pose," evokes playfulness and power, while the "Joko I and II" chairs showcase a minimalist design that reveres the natural world.

Shumbusho's work reminds us that art can be both aesthetically pleasing and practical and that the environment is a boundless source of inspiration and creativity.

The V in Focus exhibition is coming to a close on October 15th!

For one last time, come admire the incredible works of art on display at Art Hotel Lagos.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the incredible experience and take a piece of magic home with you.

Scenes from the opening days of the fifth edition of the small & Iconic Exhibition themed "V in Focus". It was  an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.

The art on display wasn't just a collection of paintings; it was a manifestation of the human spirit's limitless capacity to express, communicate, and provoke thought which is intended to blow the mind and spark memorable and inspiring conversations through bite-sized artworks.

Ww cannot wait for you to share this experience with us. Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng. The exhibition is open through to October 15th (11am- 8pm). We cannot wait to host you❤.
     

Scenes from the opening days of the fifth edition of the small & Iconic Exhibition themed "V in Focus". It was  an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.

The art on display wasn't just a collection of paintings; it was a manifestation of the human spirit's limitless capacity to express, communicate, and provoke thought which is intended to blow the mind and spark memorable and inspiring conversations through bite-sized artworks.

We cannot wait for you to share this experience with us. Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng. The exhibition is open through to October 15th (11am- 8pm). We cannot wait to host you❤.
     

SIC 5 is here and it is beautiful😍.

You are cordially invited to the fifth edition of the small and Iconic quarterly art exhibition. Themed V in Focus, this edition is a celebration of the vision that has for the contemporary African art scene and the variety and vibrancy of African art. From September 30 until October 15, we will exhibit 25 artworks from 5 artists from Rwanda, Nigeria, Cameroun, and South Africa.

It promises to be two weeks of contemporary & iconic African Art and the very best conversations.

To RSVP, visit www.smallandiconic.com and make plans to come alone or with friends. It is a chance to meet the artists, connect with other members of the art-collecting community and unwind while enjoying the artwork.
     

The Countdown is  still ON! We are 1 day away from the fifth edition of the small and Iconic miniature art exhibition themrd 'V in Focus' nd we cannot wait. 

While we countdown to the event, here are some things you can do. 

🥂 RSVP! Visit our website, www.smallandiconic.com/rsvp (link in bio) to do so. 

🥂 Invite your friends, because the more the merrier. 

🥂 Also visit the website to learn more about the artists! www.smallandiconic.com

Join us at the Art Hotel .hotelng

We cannot wait to have you there!
  

Visit our website www.smallandiconic.com.
     

The Countdown is  still ON! We are 3 days away from the fifth edition of the small and Iconic miniature art exhibition themrd 'V in Focus' nd we cannot wait. 

While we countdown to the event, here are some things you can do. 

🥂 RSVP! Visit our website, www.smallandiconic.com/rsvp (link in bio) to do so. 

🥂 Invite your friends, because the more the merrier. 

🥂 Also visit the website to learn more about the artists! www.smallandiconic.com

Join us at the Art Hotel .hotelng

We cannot wait to have you there!
  

Visit our website www.smallandiconic.com.
     

The Countdown is  still ON! We are 9 days away from the fifth edition of the small and Iconic miniature art exhibition themrd 'V in Focus' nd we cannot wait. 

While we countdown to the event, here are some things you can do. 

🥂 RSVP! Visit our website, www.smallandiconic.com/rsvp (link in bio) to do so. 

🥂 Invite your friends, because the more the merrier. 

🥂 Also visit the website to learn more about the artists! www.smallandiconic.com

Join us at the Art Hotel .hotelng

We cannot wait to have you there!
  

Visit our website www.smallandiconic.com.
     

✨ Meet Justine Gaga .gaga one of the artists exhibiting at SIC V , a multimedia artist who expresses herself through bold installations and

Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng from the September 30th - October 15th.

It is an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.   

📌 To RSVP & learn more about the artists, visit www.smallandiconic.com (link also in bio). We cannot wait to host you☺️
     

✨ Meet  Lambert Shumbusho () one of the artists exhibiting at SIC V who uses aged wood to create fictional woodwork designs.

Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng from the September 30th - October 15th.   It is an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.   

📌 To RSVP & learn more about the artists, visit www.smallandiconic.com (link also in bio). We cannot wait to host you☺️
     

The Countdown is  still ON! We are 11 days away from the fifth edition of the small and Iconic miniature art exhibition themrd 'V in Focus' nd we cannot wait. 

While we countdown to the event, here are some things you can do. 

🥂 RSVP! Visit our website, www.smallandiconic.com/rsvp (link in bio) to do so. 

🥂 Invite your friends, because the more the merrier. 

🥂 Also visit the website to learn more about the artists! www.smallandiconic.com

Join us at the Art Hotel .hotelng

We cannot wait to have you there!
  

Visit our website www.smallandiconic.com.
     

✨ Meet Odare Adenuga  ( ) one of the artists exhibiting at SIC V.  Using mixed media on canvas, he creates threads out of fabrics and uses these on metal or on canvas to portray deep meanings as art.

Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng from the September 30th - October 15th.  It is an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.   

📌 To RSVP & learn more about the artists, visit www.smallandiconic.com (link also in bio).
We cannot wait to host you☺️❤
     

✨ Meet Thabsio Dakamela ( ) one of the artists exhibiting at SIC V.   He plays with oils and acrylic on canvas and his subject matter focuses on self-awareness, learning, spirituality, strength, and vulnerability.

Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng from the September 30th - October 15th. 

 It is an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.   

📌 To RSVP & learn more about the artists, visit www.smallandiconic.com (link also in bio). We cannot wait to host you☺️
     

✨ Meet Silas Abrifor ( )one of the artists exhibiting at SIC V.

Using charcoals, acrylics, markers, and pastels, he creates paintings that are bold and raw. Silas can create art that is both a social and emotional response.

Join us at the Art Hotel Lagos .hotelng from the September 30th - October 15th. 

 It is an opportunity for the collecting community to get together and rub minds over a weekend of contemporary African art.   

📌 To RSVP & learn more about the artists, visit www.smallandiconic.com (link also in bio). We cannot wait to host you☺️
     

The Countdown is  still ON! We are 15 days away from the fifth edition of the small and Iconic miniature art exhibition themrd 'V in Focus' and we cannot wait! 

Remember while we countdown to the event, here are some things you can do. 

🥂 RSVP! Visit our website, www.smallandiconic.com/rsvp (link in bio) to do so. 

🥂 Invite your friends, because the more the merrier. 

🥂 Also visit the website to learn more about the artists! www.smallandiconic.com

Join us at the Art Hotel .hotelng

We cannot wait to have you there!
  

Visit our website www.smallandiconic.com.
 

Meet the 5 artists who will be exhibiting at SIC V. Drawn from different parts of Africa, they are icons in their respective fields and gems in the African art world.

✨ Meet Lambert Shumbusho () who uses aged wood to create fictional woodwork designs.

✨ Meet Silas Abrifor (). Using charcoals, acrylics, markers, and pastels, he creates paintings that are bold and raw. Silas can create art that is both a social and emotional response.

✨ Meet Justine Gaga (.gaga), a multimedia artist who expresses herself through bold installations and canvas.

✨Meet O’dare Adenuga (). Using mixed media on canvas, he creates threads out of fabrics and uses these on metal or on canvas to portray deep meanings as art.

✨ Meet Thabiso Dhakamela (). He plays with oils and acrylic on canvas and his subject matter focuses on self-awareness, learning, spirituality, strength, and vulnerability.

These five artists promise you a wonderful experience at the fifth edition of the small and Iconic art exhibition

📌 To RSVP & learn more about the artists, visit www.smallandiconic.com (link also in bio). We cannot wait to host you☺️

RSVP to attend — small & Iconic To register your intent to attend this and future small is beautiful miniature art exhibition series, RSVP using the form.

The Countdown is ON🥳✈! We are 19 days away from the September edition of the small and Iconic miniature art exhibition and we cannot wait. 

While we countdown to the event, here are some things you can do. 

🥂 RSVP! Visit our website, www.smallandiconic.com (link in bio) to do so. 

🥂 Invite your friends, because the more the merrier. 

🥂 Also visit the website to learn more about the artists! 

Join us at the Art Hotel .hotelng this weekend.

We cannot wait to have you there!
  

Visit our website www.smallandiconic.com (link in bio) to RSVP.

You are cordially invited to the fifth edition of the small and Iconic quarterly art exhibition. Themed V in Focus , this edition is a celebration of the vision that has for the contemporary African art scene and the variety and vibrancy of African art.

From September 30th to October 15th, we will exhibit 25 artworks from 5 artists from Rwanda, Nigeria, Cameroun, and South Africa. Join us at the .hotelng

It promises to be two weeks of contemporary & iconic African Art and the very best conversations.

To RSVP, visit www.smallandiconic.com and make plans to come alone or with friends. It is a chance to meet the artists, connect with other members of the art-collecting community and unwind while enjoying the artwork.

Africa has always been home to a diverse and beautiful art scene, each country has a unique cultural and historical influence that shape their art scenes, resulting in a rich tapestry of artistic expression. This is why the small and Iconic miniature art salon has always sought to spotlight African artists. With SIC V, we feature five artists across multiple African countries - Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda and Cameroun - and we believe it is imperative to understand the art scenes in each of these countries to better appreciate the art created by our exhibiting artists.

South African Art reflects a fusion of indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and modern global trends. Cameroonian Art boasts of a wide range of traditional art forms, including masks, sculptures, and textiles. Rwandan artists explore themes of memory, trauma, and hope through various forms like painting, sculpture, and textile art. Nigerian Art is renowned for its vibrant and diverse art scene. Lagos, in particular, has emerged as a hub for contemporary African art.

This exhibition seamlessly weaves together these cultures, styles, and perspectives to ignite a dynamic celebration of creativity. More than an exhibition, it's an invitation to embrace the convergence of vision, variety, and vibrancy that only SIC V can offer.

If you are yet to, this is your cue to RSVP for SIC V, it promises to be a wonderful celebration of Africa's art and its artists accompanied by beautiful music, top notch wines and the best of conversations.

Visit www.smallandiconic.com or the link in our bio to RSVP!