When the Rain Stops I’ll Send for You II, Mild Steel Copper, aurobase paints, granite cast with resin, 30 inch diam, 2022. Courtesy of Rele gallery and the Artist
"We Came With The Last Rain" is a profound artistic endeavor, providing a glimpse into a larger collection centered around the empowering narrative of the girl-child, a theme I've nurtured over the years. At its core lies the story of "Flying Girls," a fictional exploration featuring Sim, a 9-year-old girl navigating the challenges of modern-day Lagos as a rented-out servant. This narrative extends to the unfortunate existence of children roaming the streets for survival, commonly known as ‘Almajiri’—children sent to Islamic boarding schools but ending up begging for alms.
This exhibition acts as a prelude to a broader collection, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the whimsical escapism of Yoruba folklore and mythology.
Reflecting on my grandmother's words in my youth, “Adetoun, this is not the type of rain you play in!”—it's this ‘type of rain’ we observed indoors, watching rain splash against windows, discerning faces in each droplet trickling down the glass. This sentiment is embodied in the installation ‘The Other Side.' Singing my name and oriki, my grandmother's special song, "Adetoun Omoba, ma ma yun oko nigba ojo, ma ma fese kan roro" (Adetoun child of the king, don't play in the farm when it rains, don't step in mud.) Emiogo, a character in 'Flying Girls,' mirrors Adetoun Omoba in the artwork 'I Will Send for You When the Rain Stops.' The entire exhibition revolves around Emiogo, Sim’s dream world best friend.
The borrowed credence from Yoruba folklore revolves around the stories of ‘rain’ and ‘fertility.’ A specific type of rain makes everything grow, with Oya, the rain-associated deity, ensuring fertility. The narratives woven into the artworks resonate with broader themes of resilience, identity, and the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba experience. As I refine this captivating narrative, "We Came With The Last Rain" invites audiences to explore the layered storytelling, culture, and creativity defining my artistic practice.
Opening Hours
Tues - Sat: 11 AM - 6 PM
Location:
5 - 7 Dover Street,
London W1S 4LD
Text and pictures, copyright rele gallery and the artist