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Joseph Khight Banner, Perth Musuem 2024
This project highlights the connection between Scotland and its colonial slave trade history. Im honoured to have been given this responsibility to celebrate the accomplishments of this extraordinary man, defying all odds to become a freeman in Scotland which triggered the abolition of slavery in Scotland 1778.
Joseph Knight banner will be open to the public from tomorrow. Alongside many valuable and interesting artefacts such as 'The stone of destiny. Joseph Knight banner to be on display for 20+ years so plenty of time to visit it!
'Untold Stories'
"The Cairncross Gallery is home to six original artworks that tell stories from Perth and Scotland in new ways. Perth and Kinross Council commissioned six artists to work with communities to produce the stories on these six Standards. Standards were banners that played a crucial role in identifying troops, rallying soldiers and conveying messages on the battlefield. These Standards tell a series of interconnected stories of struggle, power and freedom. From Tayside mills to Jacobite battlefields, to the sugar plantations of Jamaica, these artworks uncover stories of the past and explore how their impact resounds in our present. This gallery was supported by Perth UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art."
Artist included- Laura Darling, Nikkita Morgan, Dylan Gibson, Ashleigh Slater and Emily Smit-Dicks
Okolo Exhibition, Generator Projects, Dundee
17th November - 10th December 2023
Second installation at Generator Projects, Dundee. Second solo show this year of 2023. Was delighted to to be showing my recent collection of work in Dundee where I first began my creative journey back in 2014.
Back in 2017 went through a phase of collaging African and UK culture. Ended up creating these characters with African mask and using photos of some of my friends to help for research material. ‘Okolo’ ended up becoming this alter ego character that I’ve ended up being the aftermath of it all.
Ikenga Series, The Alchemy Experiment, Glasgow, 28th July - 6th August 2023
Recently I've been exploring Igbo Spirituality. 'Ikenga' is a deity from Igbo culture which refers to a spiritual force or energy. Often depicted as a wooden or metal figure with two horns on its head, served as a personal shrine, symbolising power and wisdom. It is believed to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. “Agiabor na ezinaunōya” shrine (Agiabor and her family) installed in the bottom floor.
M.R.L.C Takeover, Pipe Factory, Glasgow
30th September - 2nd October 2022
In my work I am trying to show there is a vision that is based in my black cultural background and community without compromising – another voice to expose the beauty in the ordinary and a perspective which connects mixed/black working-class culture and the world of fine art and beyond. Although I see my work as deliberate social commentary, I hope it is beautiful to look at, highlighting and celebrating traditional African culture alongside images of a strong and positive current British culture and community.
M.R.L.C TAKEOVER, GSA Degree Show, Glasgow, June 2022
The context of my work is documenting and celebrating my identity. I think artists narrate a personal story using themselves, their history and their surroundings to create a unique view of our existence. We recognise ourselves in our surroundings. I am using my identity as a person, both divided and brought together by several cultures to observe, document and most of all, celebrate my environment which is was the main focus for my degree show installation
Mis(sing) Information, Perth Art Gallery
19th March - 19th June 2022
JuyaGaze, Generator projects, Dundee, 2020
Curated by Dundee-based visual artist and curator Saoirse Amira Anis, Mis(sing) Information features work by Tayo Adekunle, Nkem Okwechime, Tako Taal and Natasha Ruwona. Mis(sing) Information is a long-overdue showcase of the work of Black artists at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, allowing these artists to document and present their own history. This exhibition will draw attention to the white-washed version of history traditionally taught in Scotland, encouraging visitors to reassess the stories they have been taught in the past. This collection of artworks will offer an alternative picture of colonial relations to the one often projected by British museums by referencing the Western appropriation of African bodies, cultures and artefacts. Museum collections are home to many objects that have a contested and, in many instances, brutal past. The stories told by these objects often veer towards a version of history that is dominated by Eurocentric accounts. Mis(sing) Information at Perth Museum and Art Gallery will contribute to the conversation that museums are not neutral spaces, and spotlight voices that are often excluded from their own narrative.