Lagos-Based Artist, Samson Bakare Set To Debut Solo UK Exhibition, “Let This Be A Sign”

Multi-disciplinary artist, painter and sculptor, Samson Bakare is set to showcase his debut solo UK exhibition tagged the Let This Be A Sign. The exhibition, which seeks to explore the expression of maleness through the lens of fashion towards defying typical notions of masculinity, is set to be held at the Dorothy Circus London from the 9th of March to the 8th of April, 2023.

Bakare, who describes his art as a “time machine” and, in a profound reference to metaphysics, stated that the theme of unity and harmony is sought to be represented at the exhibition, which is represented through an exploration of the relationship between art and both physical and temporal space. He noted that the exhibition seeks to promote African art and boost black cultural renaissance.

“I am aware that the African art scene is relatively new compared to other parts of the world, so I want to take the opportunity to showcase African art and culture to the rest of the world in order to break down the stereotype and culture shock that people can have when they see African art.” I want to make African art as familiar to people as any other art form, so that it becomes “us” and not just “we Africans.”

The exhibition consists of a body of 15 brand-new works, including paintings, sculptures, and (pictorial) installations, with a surprising and evocative visual impact. Born and inspired by his architect father in the city of Lagos, the graduate of the School of Art, Yaba College of Technology was trained under the tutelage of prominent and veteran Nigerian artists which including the Abiodun Olaku, Raji Babatunde, Edosa Oguigo and Ejoh Wallace. Bakare derives inspirations from Coptic art and Victorian paintings, and his thinking is rooted in Nigerian indigenous culture and is inspired by artists like Kehinde Wiley and Peju Alatise.

Samson’s works is predicated on several satirical pieces attempting to review the excesses of British-imperialism and racial equality. In 2018, he became a member of the Arts in Medicine Fellowship, Nigeria (an NGO established solely for the improvement of the healthcare through arts), and in 2022, he was one of nine artists selected to re-envision and re-interpret the Gucci Ingrid 1947 bamboo bag, a distinction that saw him work hand in hand with Alessandro Michelle, global creative director for Gucci.

Bakare has been featured in both local and international exhibitions which includes Counter history (Paris 2019), Counter History Alliance Francaise (Lagos 2019) , Occupied Space exhibition (Accra, 2020).