Doyle Wham presents In Bloom, Morgan Otagburuagu‘s first solo exhibition worldwide.
Otagburuagu (b. 1997, Abia State, Nigeria) is a self-taught photographer who has made major waves in the fashion and art industries with his unique style of portraiture. In this exhibition, a new series, In Bloom, receives its global debut. These works are of monumental significance to the artist, as they represent a move towards rebirth and re-emergence after a personal tragedy – the loss of both parents in 2021 – which led to a two year hiatus in Otagburuagu’s creative journey.
In this body of work, the artist explores the cyclical nature of life and death, and how nature reflects and embodies that process. Flowers are important markers that people associate with both celebrations and mourning, and therefore play a dual role in this series: respect for the past, and hope for the future.
Beyond the personal context of its creation, In Bloom has a powerful societal and political message – that dark Black skin is beautiful. Working in the fashion industry in Lagos, Otagburuagu encounters the realities of colourism on a daily basis, as well as observing how dark skinned women in particular can be stigmatised, and the growing popularity of skin lightening treatments. The artist is committed to combatting this in his work by collaborating with darker-skinned models and always striving to highlight the inherent beauty in Blackness.
On the occasion of his first solo exhibition, the artist will be travelling outside of Nigeria and will be in residence at Doyle Wham during the exhibition, hosting special events from masterclasses to panel discussions and Nigerian-inspired supper clubs. In honour of London Gallery Weekend (2-4 June 2023), Otagburuagu will be offering visitors the unique opportunity to become part of the artwork series, by having their portrait shot by the artist in a custom floral setting (in the style of In Bloom) within the gallery.
All artworks are available for purchase at the gallery and through Doyle Wham’s online shop. A special time-limited edition has also been made available for the duration of the exhibition for £100, in line with Doyle Wham’s commitment to making art collecting more accessible.
Morgan Otagburuagu’s striking, experimental imagery celebrates the strength of the Black body and the iridescent beauty of Black skin.
Originally from Abia State, Nigeria, the Lagos-based artist is a master of light whose work is praised by art lovers and industry professionals alike. Otagburuagu’s photographs have been published widely in leading newspapers and magazines worldwide, including The Guardian, The Times, Aesthetica, Afrodysee, Something Curated, Acumen and Vogue Italia. In 2023, Otagburuagu’s series Black Warrior was awarded the “Jury’s Winner” by the Agora Worldwide Awards.
Morgan Otagburuagu : In Bloom
21st April – 10th June 2023
Doyle Wham
91A Rivington Street
London, EC2A 3AY
www.doylewham.com
London Gallery Weekend
2-4 June 2023
www.londongalleryweekend.art
@londongalleryweekend
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