The African Art Hub Presents “Beneath the Stars, Where Dreams Take Flight” at the 1-54 African Art Fair

The African Art Hub (TAAH) is thrilled to announce its participation in the 12th edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, set to take place from October 10-13, 2024, at Somerset House, London. TAAH will showcase “Beneath The Stars, Where Dreams Take Flight,” an evocative exhibition that explores migration, heritage, and human connection through the extraordinary works of three celebrated artists: Houda Terjuman, Gbemileke Adekunle, and Reggie Khumalo.

In this immersive exhibition, the artistic visions of Terjuman, Adekunle, and Khumalo intertwine to create a cosmic journey that transcends earthly boundaries and evokes shared human experiences. Though rooted in diverse cultural backgrounds, each artist offers a unique lens on migration, belonging, and the interplay of personal and collective memory.

Houda Terjuman

Houda Terjuman brings forth ethereal sculptures and paintings that reflect the resilience and longing of the migrant experience. Her works, inspired by her own hybrid identity, depict bridges of hope—connecting distant worlds and anchoring the wanderer’s soul to a sense of belonging, guided by the constellations of memory and identity.

Gbemileke Adekunle

Gbemileke Adekunle navigates solitude and heritage through his luminous canvases, which shimmer with contemplative depth. Using acrylics, oil pastels, and charcoal, Adekunle crafts vibrant, introspective works that invite viewers on a spiritual pilgrimage. His art, rich in symbolism and narrative, reflects a profound exploration of identity and introspection, drawing the audience into a meditative visual experience.

Reggie Khumalo

Reggie Khumalo infuses his works with energy and vibrancy, where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. His intricate patterns and radiant compositions chart his artistic and philanthropic journey, revealing a dynamic practice that reflects the pulse of Africa’s past, present, and future. Through his bold use of colour and form, Khumalo’s works offer a powerful commentary on cultural continuity and transformation.

As viewers move through the exhibition, they are invited to delve deeper into the layered meanings of each piece. The works, ranging from surreal and non-representational to strikingly realistic, transcend mere visual allure. Each brushstroke is laden with symbolism, speaking to the viewer’s emotions, memories, and understanding of the world around them.

The exhibition’s mastery of colour and texture serves as a guiding force through the sensory and emotional landscapes of the artists’ inner worlds. The use of light and shadow, abstraction and form, invites the audience into a contemplative space—where dreams, identities, and histories converge and take flight.

Beyond their aesthetic qualities, the artworks reflect the fluidity of our interconnected world. Like stars that move across the night sky, human experiences are constantly shifting, evolving, and adapting. The interplay of light and darkness within the works mirrors the complexity of existence, inviting the viewer to explore themes of transformation, resilience, and the enduring quest for belonging.

Beneath The Stars, Where Dreams Take Flight is not just an exhibition—it is a space for introspection, urging viewers to contemplate their own narratives in the broader context of migration, identity, and cultural heritage. The African Art Hub (TAAH) remains committed to fostering the global recognition of African artists by offering platforms like these for artistic expression and cross-cultural dialogue.

The African Art Hub (TAAH) will present “Beneath the Stars, Where Dreams Take Flight” at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London from October 10th, 2024, until October 13th, 2024.

©2024 The African Art Hub (TAAH)