“Ayobola Kekere Ekun, Nigerian Artist, solo exhibition titled “The Power of Play and Borderline Battles”

‘The Power of Play and Borderline Battles,’ the artist honors mythical narratives such as those found in the Chronicles of Narnia, extending an invitation to the audience to glimpse her personal sanctuary amid times of hardship. Ayobola’s artistic upbringing and early-life challenges intertwine intricately, infusing her work with a profound emotional resonance. This blending of adversity and liberation enriches her creations with a distinctive profundity. Each artwork stands as a testament to Ayobola’s expertise in the intricate quilling technique, where carefully cut, folded, and rolled strips of paper, fabric, and canvas unite to form enchanting, wide-eyed, and childlike figures.”

Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, a visual artist who hails from Lagos, Nigeria. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. in Visual Arts from the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, with a focus on Graphic Design. Presently, she is in the process of completing a Ph.D. in Art and Design at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.” https://ayobolakekere-ekun.com/

“This body of work signifies a personal deliverance for me. There is a Yoruba proverb that I find myself clinging onto more and more over the years, which is translated as: “You are born, but you also have to give birth to yourself.”

It is these words that have helped me to understand that we are dealt the cards we are dealt, however, there is a crucial point where we must decide how to live our lives in spite of all that has happened. A big part of my reclamation process has been bravery, in a very literal sense, and these artworks continue to remind me that I am strong by still being here.”

– Ayobola Kekere-Ekun

The exhibition is on view from the 11th of August to October 1st , 2023 at  ADA Contemporary Art Gallery in Accra,