Gagosian’s Britannia Street Gallery is hosting an exhibition titled Rites of Passage from the 16th of March to the 28th of April 2023. The exhibition – curated by British-Nigerian curator: Peju Oshin – delves into the concept of “liminal space”; a phrase coined by anthropologist Arnold van Gennep who in his book observed that transitional events such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death are celebrated with rituals that extend past the boundaries of culture. Through a range of works rendered in different mediums, the exhibition presents a physical and spiritual representation of this phenomenon.
At its core, Rites of Passage challenges conventional linear narratives and is organized around the three stages of liminality: separation, transition, and return. Each stage explores movement as an act, both on an individual and community level. The exhibition examines postcolonial Black identity and places a focus on the “triple consciousness” experienced by the African diaspora in relation to their counterparts from local majority populations. This is especially relevant considering the current political and social issues are centred around subjects of identity and belonging.
The artists featured in the exhibition are categorized by themes of tradition, spirituality, and place with many of their works demonstrating the intersection of these ideas with perspectives on the intricate and lasting influence of place. The exhibition features works by eighteen contemporary artists with a shared history of migration. These artists include: Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Àsìkò, Phoebe Boswell, Adelaide Damoah, Femi Dawkins, Victor Ehikhamenor, Mary Evans, Ayesha Feisal, Enam Gbewonyo, Elsa James, Julianknxx, Sahara Longe, Manyaku Mashilo, Emily Moore, Nengi Omuku, Patrick Quarm, Alexandria Smith, Sharon Walters, and Michaela Yearwood-Dan.
Peju Oshin’s work revolves around connecting people to art, cultural and educational experiences through working with artists, archives and cultural artefacts. She continue to work with amazing brands, organisations, institutions and collaborators across the visual arts and media and this exhibition is reflective of her practice.
