Art in the City is pleased to present Portraits of Leisure – an exhibition exploring leisure as an art form.
Featuring the distinct works of Swiss-Congolese artist Joslyne Ohoka and Nigerian rising star Christopher Samuel Idowu, recently showcased at the prestigious Art X. These accomplished artists are not only masters of their craft but also adept storytellers, using their works to bring to life the nuanced details that transform mere depictions into immersive, visceral experiences.
In the midst of the bustling art season, we find solace in the notion that simplicity is an art form in itself. “Portraits of Leisure” is not just a title; it’s an invitation to step away from the complexity and immerse yourself in the serenity of uncomplicated moments.
In a world where every glance is met with a myriad of stimuli, this exhibition encourages you to reset, allowing your senses to savour the beauty found in life’s quiet corners.
These portraits invite you to ponder the magic in simplicity, to approach each piece with fresh eyes, unburdened by the weight of the artistic whirlwind. The curated collection aims not just to adorn your spaces but to serve as a sanctuary—a visual retreat where the uncomplicated strokes on canvas speak volumes.
Meet The Artists
Born in 1995 in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria, Samuel Idowu is an artist who pursued his passion by studying painting at Yaba College of Technology, earning a Higher National Diploma. Raised on a mission, his artwork often incorporates spiritual iconography and imagery.
Drawing inspiration from faded photographs, he utilises various media, including conte crayon, charcoal, pastel, watercolour, acrylics, oils, and printmaking techniques. His compositions reflect the historical and present landscapes of Badagry and other cultural and historical exchange spaces, capturing colours, architecture, and sitters.
Influenced by artists like Anselm Kiefer and Ibrahim Mahama, Idowu explores time, history, personal experiences, memory, human connection, and spirituality in his portraiture.
Joslyne Ohoka Ramazani (27) is a Swiss-Congolese artist based in Zurich, with roots in the Swiss-Italian village of Capolago. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and Scenography in Basel, she embraced the dynamic urban environment of Zurich to pursue her career as a Scenographer.
With a versatile skill set, Ohoka seamlessly merges analog and digital techniques in her creative process, bringing her unique vision to life. Inspired by a personal burn-out experience, her art explores leisure as a means of reconnecting with oneself away from the hustle of daily life, portraying tranquil moments infused with emotion.
Her illustrations, predominantly featuring female characters, convey a range of feelings and perspectives. Whether depicted with closed eyes symbolising contemplation or from behind, offering a voyeuristic perspective, Ohoka’s art serves as a bridge between imagination and reality, capturing the essence of the human experience in a thoughtful and visual manner.
Join us in embracing the art of leisure, where each piece is a reminder that amidst the complexity, there is beauty in the straightforward, the unhurried, and the genuine.
We look forward to welcoming you to an exhibition that goes beyond the canvas, offering an opportunity to recalibrate, finding joy in the understated, and appreciating the art of simply being.
About Us
At Art in the City, our vision is to be preeminent and globally interconnected, possessing the expertise to satiate the most discerning collectors of fine art and rarities with finesse and sophistication.
Our mission is to enhance our services to valued clients through expertise, delivering consistent value, promoting global art and cultural exchange, and introducing rare artworks and refined experiences.
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