“Our Stuck Together Pieces” is a journey through the liminal space between solitude and connection, inviting us to revel in the art of togetherness. It celebrates the unexpected beauty that emerges when contrasting elements intertwine—the pull that draws us back to familiar places, people, and moments in time. This exhibition explores the silent conversations between our desires and realities and the complex, unspoken bonds that shape our lives, capturing the delicate balance of individuality and unity that defines our shared human experience.

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Wunika Mukan Gallery is thrilled to present works from nine contemporary artists whose works unveils the threads that connect us all—desires, values, and belief systems.

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Tshepiso Moropa’s collages merge archival imagery and materials to create visual dialogues that explore the past and present tense of Black people, the African diaspora, and historical archives. Utilizing delicate earth tones, the artist examines issues of racism, family relationships, gender, sexuality, violence, and identity. By intertwining threads of Baroque and African history with contemporary themes, the artist strives to transcend time and place. Moropa’s handcrafted collages use black-and-white archival imagery to enhance texture and light, breathing new life into old stories and inviting viewers to explore the deep intersections of history, symbolism, and personal interpretation.

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Daniel Oruwhone draws inspiration from the Renaissance masters, intertwined with the desire to create a resurgence of Black self-awareness, and features of African mythology in contemporary times. Exploring figuration, the artist juxtaposes classical and contemporary philosophy drawn from history and diverse life experiences, questioning the viewer’s perception and exploring themes of sexuality and historical nostalgia.

Edward Ofosu’s collage paintings explore the aesthetics, symbolic, and metaphorical nature of foreign thrift materials found on streets and river bodies, repurposing them through stitching to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of discarded textiles on the environment. While grounded in realism, his recent works also take on abstract styles, finding inspiration in the beauty and complexity of life itself. Many of his paintings are characterized by often distorted figures against a backdrop of vulnerability and resistance, stressing not only environmental degradation but also the beauty of life.

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Linked through a shared connection of retelling, Patricia Renee Thomas’ paintings and drawings manifest new places from old places, manipulating insidious socialized rules that even creep into the spaces we so injudiciously deem racially neutral. Through vibrant compositions and portraits, she questions the repercussions of hyper-visibility, physical safety existing in a racialized society, Black fugitivity, and public voyeurism using the motif of camouflage.

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Found in between the themes of shared dedication to expanding and reinterpreting African and Black narratives is Lakin Ogunbanwo, whose practice is driven by a desire to develop the contemporary African visual archive and portray authentic, self-represented African narratives. Influenced by African studio photography, his artistic practice features bold compositions, vivid colors, and a focus on form and silhouette. In his new practice, the artist delves into the enigma of fear of the unknown and the anticipation of what comes next, using colorful collages to explore new beginnings shaped by middles and ends.

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Tyler Williams’ surrealist paintings and photo abstraction add a nuanced layer through their distinctive exploration of power dynamics, innovative use of mediums, and exploration of the digital and subconscious realms. Their exploration of sadomasochistic power dynamics and surrealism challenges conventional hierarchies and offers a critical perspective on how power and technology influence human connections. By blending reality with digital elements and using innovative artistic techniques, Williams enriches the exhibition's exploration of how diverse elements are intertwined, revealing deeper insights into both individuality and interconnectedness.

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In Joseph Obanubi’s digital works, he focuses on the relationships between identity, fantasy, and the interplay between reality and technology, which aligns with the broader theme of exploration of individuality and togetherness. His practice of reconstructing fragments of everyday experiences complements the exhibition’s themes of individuality and togetherness, aligning with other artists who address identity through historical and social lenses. His ongoing practice revolves around creating alternatives and blurring the lines of what is present and what could be.

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Embodiments of the fundamental artistic elements—line, form, space, and boundaries—feature prominently in the work of Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu. Expressed through painting, drawing, film, and technology, her multi-dimensional forms bridge traditional methodologies and contemporary practices and deepen an understanding of found objects. By engaging deeply with materials and cultural heritage, Ukoha-Kalu contributes to the exploration of how distinct elements and historical contexts can interconnect and create new dialogues.

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Ikeorah Chisom Chi-FADA’s paintings utilize storytelling as a key tool to record and preserve historical, political, and personal memories. Drawing inspiration from both personal and collective experiences, he weaves together layers of meaning to create what he terms ‘Visual Poetic’ works. These pieces employ narrative layers, incorporating elements of plot, character, symbolism, and allegory, to craft richly textured figurative art that captures and reflects complex stories, experiences, and the layered narratives in African and diasporic experiences, history of portraiture, and picture-making.

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