Ed Cross presents two artists at 1-54 New York, both showing in the US for the first time: Abdulrazaq Awofeso and Ugonna Hosten. Both play with the subtlety of material – one using exposed wood and the other graphite/charcoal on paper. The exhibition, largely devoid of colour, deliberately redirects focus toward the interplay of form and subject matter.
Hosten, through her works on paper, transcends the realm of communicable experiences, weaving dreams, visions, and emotions into legible and precise visual narratives. Exploring pre-colonial Igbo spiritual practices through her visionary drawings in graphite and charcoal, there is a complex duality between the precision of her work and the esotericism of her subject matter; it is the collision of these two modes – the precise and the obscure – that Hosten’s practice finds its surest stride.
In contrast to Hosten’s introspection, Awofeso adopts an altogether more outward-facing approach, offering a unique perspective shaped by his frequent travels between Nigeria and England. Made from repurposed shipping pallets, his creations are unapologetically physical, proudly showcasing their developmental process. The seams where his sculptures are joined are deliberately exposed, challenging the observer to confront a distinct rawness.
Awofeso's conceptual precision is evident in his portrait pieces, where the characters are unambiguous and boldly present, inviting the viewer to engage with them directly. Alongside iterations of his unmistakable portraits, the artist presents a new series titled, Okrika. Depicting items of clothing on coat hangers, Okrika develops Awofeso’s interest in personal sartorial expression as well as unexpected economic and cultural relationships (specifically, the shipping of discarded items of fast fashion from the West to Africa, from which the series takes its name).
The exhibition encapsulates two distinct approaches to the African diasporic experience. Awofeso's practice captures contemporary stories of both Nigeria and England, reflecting the dynamic present in these spaces as well as the experience of living between them. In contrast, Hosten's focus is anchored in the rich tapestry of her spiritual heritage, delving into the profound influence of her past on our shared present. Together, these artists present a nuanced exploration of identity – micro and macro – inviting viewers to engage with multifaceted narratives as they unfold.
Awofeso's artwork can be found in various private and institutional collections, including the British Government Art Collection, Benetton Imago Mundi, Laurent Perrier, Femi Akinsanya, Deborah Goldman, and Yemi Odusanya. Solo exhibitions include Out of Frame at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, in 2022, and Broad Streets at Ed Cross, London, in 2023. Last year his work ‘Avalanche of Calm’ was exhibited as part of South London Gallery’s seminal group exhibition, Lagos, Peckham, Repeat.
Hosten’s exhibition highlights include chi; Altarpieces, Liturgy & Devotion, York Art Gallery, York, 2023; Instinctive Travels & The Paths of Rhythm, One Paved Court, London, 2022; Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London, 2021; Ty Pawb Print International, Wales, 2021; Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, London, 2021, and Humanalia(n), One Paved Court, London, 2020.
