Renowned artist Kingsley Ayogu has garnered international acclaim for his latest series, “Icons In The White House,” currently on display at the 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair’s Special Projects within the illustrious Somerset House in London.
This striking series envisions Icons from Africa and the African diaspora assuming leadership roles within the White House, prompting a profound reevaluation of conventional political narratives and a reconsideration of the underrepresentation of Black perspectives.
In the series, leadership, the Black struggle, and emancipation are central themes, showcasing notable figures like Chinua Achebe, Malcolm X, and Fela Kuti as powerful leaders in the US.
The series’ reception has been nothing short of enthusiastic, uniting audiences of all backgrounds.
Expressing his excitement during the exhibition in a statement, Kingsley Ayogu reflected on the series’ international journey, having been previously showcased in Lisbon, Barcelona, and South Africa, before its first appearance in London.
Ayogu conveyed his overwhelming gratitude for the warm reception. “The series has been shown in Lisbon, Barcelona and only last month, South Africa. This is my first time in London and i am happy about the warm reception of my works.”he said.
The “Icons In The White House” exhibition made its debut on October 12, 2023, and will remain open to the public through October 15, 2023.
In 2020, Kingsley Ayogu won the The Future Awards Africa Prize for Arts and was awarded the Art X Lagos Prize. The artist is currently showing in Africa Supernova at the Kunsthal Kade Amersfoort Museum.
