Gallery 1957 presents the second iteration of Kwesi Botchway’s solo exhibition, The Sun Must Come Down Part II. Following the monumental success of The Sun Must Come Down at the French Protestant Church of London in October 2024, this now expanded body of work pushes the narrative presented in part 1 further, exploring the ongoing cycles of light, darkness and renewal through a new lens. In this iteration, Botchway shifts from the descending sun of the first exhibition—a powerful metaphor for reflection, rest, and the necessary pauses for healing—to the rising sun, symbolising a new beginning, hope, and the promise of transformation.
In contrast to the portraiture-centric works in the first iteration, these vast and luminous environments now dominate the canvas, bringing forward a sense of expansive potential. The landscapes are no longer passive backdrops but active participants in the cycles of healing and growth that the artist explores. These dynamic settings evoke a feeling of emergence, with the surrounding world offering an ever-present invitation to evolve, heal and renew. They capture the metaphorical landscapes of life, reflecting the broader cosmic context within which these transformative journeys unfold.
Where the first part reflected moments of stillness and reflection, Part II speaks to the power of forward momentum, of hope that emerges from the darkness and leads us into the light of a new day. The journey into this space of radiant colour is not just a literal passage from night into day—it is an allegory for the cycles of life, the strength to rise again after adversity and the collective human experience of moving toward a brighter future. The sun—whether rising or setting—remains a central symbol, representing both the enduring constancy of the human spirit and the cyclical nature of existence.
Botchway’s figures continue to embody the metaphysical connection between the individual and the cosmic forces that shape our lives, suggesting that we, like the sun, are all part of a greater interconnected journey. The Sun Must Come Down Part II invites us to reflect on our own roles within these cycles. It challenges us to examine our past and present in light of the transformative possibilities that the rising sun offers. As we journey through this new body of work, we are called to embrace the healing that is possible when we unite, recognise our shared struggles and rise together into a new dawn. This exhibition will run until the 3rd of May 2025 at Gallery 1957, London.
