ART FAIRS | OCTOBER 2024
TAAH Presents Kingsley Ayogu’s
"Intimacy of Memory" at AKAA Paris 2024
By Laura Acosta
The African Art Hub (TAAH) is proud to present a captivating exhibition at the AKAA Art Fair in Paris, showcasing the emotionally powerful works of Nigerian artist Kingsley Ayogu. Booth B2, curated by TAAH, has become a focal point for visitors, offering an immersive experience that blends art, emotion, and community. This year’s presentation is not only a visual feast but also a participatory reflection on universal themes of loss
and healing.
The exhibition Intimacy of Memory invites art lovers, collectors, and museum curators to engage with the deeply personal and culturally significant works on display.
Kingsley Ayogu: A Profound Exploration of Grief and Memory
Kingsley Ayogu has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most captivating hyperrealist artists. His current exhibition explores the complexities of grief through hyperrealist oil portraits, where personal memory and cultural identity converge in powerful visual narratives. Ayogu’s meticulous attention to detail breathes life into each piece, creating a reflective space for audiences to engage with themes of identity and the emotional weight of loss.
This series, Intimacy of Memory, marks a shift in Ayogu’s approach as he combines his signature hyperrealism with abstraction and symbolism. Inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Notes on Grief, Ayogu incorporates African cultural elements such as nets and sponges, each symbolizing the intricacies of memory and the healing process. The nets represent the complex web of connections within the mind, while the sponges speak to the slow cleansing and emotional recovery that follows loss. These symbols give his work a deeply rooted cultural significance, reflecting African traditions while exploring universal emotions.
The exhibition’s immersive design enhances the emotional impact, with the canvases suspended in a way that invites viewers to engage closely with the layers of paint and symbolism. Ayogu describes his creative process as spiritual, allowing emotion to guide his brushstrokes, resulting in deeply introspective works that resonate with the viewer.
The artworks exhibited at AKAA Paris 2024 have already drawn significant interest from collectors, museum curators, and the press. Visitors are invited to participate in the exhibition by leaving personal reflections on grief, contributing to a communal experience that transcends language and culture.
The African Art Hub’s Booth B2 continues to captivate visitors at AKAA Paris.
Kingsley Ayogu, Imbroglio III, 2024, Oil, Sponge on Canvas 123 x 179 cm (48.43 x 70.47 inches)
Highlights from Day 3 at AKAA Paris
Day 3 of the fair saw enthusiastic engagement at Booth B2, where Kingsley Ayogu’s work continued to captivate art lovers, collectors, and curators from around the world. Visitors were deeply moved by Ayogu's hyperrealist portraits, which explore themes of grief, memory, and African identity. The interactive element of the exhibition, where attendees are encouraged to leave personal reflections on their own experiences with grief, has added a unique and intimate layer to the presentation. This participatory aspect has fostered a profound dialogue among visitors, allowing them to connect not only with Ayogu’s work but also with one another on a deeply personal level.
The African Art Hub’s (TAAH) distinctive curation of Intimacy of Memory has positioned Booth B2 as one of the most talked-about exhibits at AKAA Paris. The combination of Ayogu’s powerful visual narratives, inspired by Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and the booth’s thoughtful presentation, has drawn continuous attention. Attendees have been engaging with both the art and the emotionally charged space, creating an atmosphere of reflection and communal connection. Visitors were also encouraged to share their thoughts online via the TAAH website, extending the conversation beyond the physical space of the fair.
As Day 3 progressed, the buzz surrounding TAAH’s booth grew, with the press and media highlighting it as a must-see spot within the fair. The emotional depth of Ayogu’s work, combined with the participatory nature of the exhibition, continues to draw a steady flow of visitors, ensuring that TAAH’s presence at the fair remains a central talking point.
As TAAH continues to champion African artists on the global stage, this exhibition exemplifies their commitment to presenting art that challenges, inspires, and connects across cultures.
Don’t Miss the Last Day!
As the AKAA Art Fair enters its final day, we warmly invite those who haven’t yet visited Booth B2 to come and experience Kingsley Ayogu’s moving exhibition Intimacy of Memory. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Ayogu’s thought-provoking works and be part of a powerful reflection on grief, memory, and African identity. Visit us before the fair concludes—you won’t want to miss it!
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Laura Acosta is the Curator and Creative Director at Arttyco, with a background in architecture, interior design, and cultural management. Her multidisciplinary expertise informs a curatorial approach that merges spatial awareness with engaging, accessible art experiences, inviting audiences to connect with contemporary art on a deeper level.