‘Joy of More Worlds' Chantelle Weir speaks to Marcellina Akpojotor
Words and interview by Chantelle Weir
Weekend With Grandma, 2022 Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
Nestled in central London, sits the Rele Gallery, currently featuring Marcellina Akpojotor's new exhibition, 'Joy of More Worlds'. The title perfectly captures the gallery's essence; upon entry, you are immersed in Akpojotor’s blend of memory, documentation, motherhood, and African heritage. In the heart of British culture, the gallery's location creates a striking contrast with the artwork, enhancing the show's peaceful and nurturing atmosphere.
Akpojotor studied Art and Industrial Design at Lagos State Polytechnic and earned her BA in Fine and Applied Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2019. Selected as a young contemporary by Rele Arts Foundation in 2017, she held her first solo exhibition, "She Was Not Dreaming," at Rele Gallery, Lagos in 2018.
Nigerian-based artist Marcellina Akpojotor was surrounded by artistic practice from an early age, her father, an artist and sign maker, exposed her to the visual arts and the studio practices of a working artist. Akpojotor recalls helping out in her father's studio and designing greeting cards as a child.
Weekend with Grandma, Fabric, Charcoal on paper & Acrylic on Canvas, 96 x 76 Inches, 2022 Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
Portrait of Marcellina Akpojotor Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
“Mixing colours and other materials reminds me of my childhood experiences of seeing my father, an artist and signwriter, work with different materials and techniques.”
This bodes well with her current body of works “Joy of More Worlds” where she delves into the intricacies of motherhood, domestic life, community, culture and youth, Akpojotor states:
“I hope the work provokes conversations about women and children in society, as well as the role of family. I’d like us to think about the next generation and how we can make the world a better place for them.”
Diatacheko’s Parlour, 2023-2024 Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
Installation Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
The gallery is split into two levels: the lower floor is bright and energetic, depicting playful scenes of children and families, while the upstairs, with dimmer mustard lighting, offers a soothing ambience. This intentional contrast by the artist presents two perspectives of domestic life. Downstairs reflects a child's vibrant world full of play and new experiences, with artwork viewed at their eye level. Upstairs represents a mother's perspective, capturing the calm and appreciation of family life, with views from above or at a distance, highlighting the different dynamics of home life.
“In ‘Joy of the Worlds’ I explored these themes through the lens of my experiences as a Nigerian woman and mother. I explored the ways in which women nurture and care for one another and their families, and the ways in which this care can be empowering and help build a community that is versed in the knowledge of how they come to be.”
Pyjama sisters, 2023 Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
The works are individually large but as a collective, their vastness draws you intimately into each story depicted. The imagery is a testimony to the joy found within mundane moments, where you see children playing, mothers feeding and families sitting together.
Akpojotor describes this as: “bring(ing) contrast to the mundane setting, highlighting the beauty in everyday moments and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones.”
Akpojotor's combined use of documentation and personal memory serve as reminders of her past but bridge the works to the present. Employing Ankara fabrics and hues of red, yellows, greens, oranges, and turquoise, Akpojotor skillfully captures the essence of African and Nigerian culture. Additionally, the familiar motifs within the works: the railings within “Weekend with Grandma”, and “Pyjama Sisters” and the checkered flooring in “Diatachekos Parlour”, “Bloom and Joy” and “Sweet Holiday” function as reminders of intimacy and cultural mark makers.
“Growing up in Lagos, I was surrounded by the vibrant culture and resilience of the city and colourful Owambe parties, where people gather on most weekends, adorned in beautiful clothes made from the same fabric, celebrating different occasions. This inspires a sense of belonging, support, and solidarity. It was beautiful to see people come together and support one another, and their community. ‘Joy of More Worlds’ celebrates the growing community that surrounds and supports a child.”
The Ankara fabrics (African print fabrics, used in traditional garments) display elaborate weavings of textural manipulation. Audiences viewing these works will be enchanted by the formation and flow of these fabrics. They add a layer of dynamism and sculpture, derived from the fabric's details but elevated by Akpojotor’s controlled usage of them.
Bloom and Joy, 2023 Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
Marcellina Akpojotor explains that: “After transferring my idea to the canvas, I start attaching the fabric until the form is built up. I cut the fabrics into smaller sizes and sorted them by colour. I use the fabric in its natural form, without alteration, so as to preserve its cultural essence and the stories it carries. I manipulate the fabric to create intricate, textured layerings that symbolise the complexity of the human experience.”
At a distance, the fabric looks like a painted feature however the closer you view them the more complex they become. The pixelated imagery the Ankara fabric creates within the work further alludes to this idea of memory, often blurry or reconfigured within our minds the fabric serves to this vague reimagination, allowing an audience to refer to the characteristics of a personal experience or memory. Akpojotor explains the importance of this element: “Ankara fabric is quite significant to me personally, as I am fascinated by the patterns, designs, and stories that they hold. The fabrics are vibrant and part of everyday life in Nigeria. It’s a symbol of solidarity, unity, and support. It invokes the feeling of community, especially when used as aso ebi for different occasions ranging from weddings and birthdays to funerals, bringing families and communities together.” - Marcellina Akpojotor
Within the work “Love for Country” we see the Ankara fabric used within its traditional definition, the clothing of the three girls contrasts with the red bows used against the pale pink background. The bows hint towards the modern and feminine while the garments remain within history, in this sense Akpojotor is weaving the African traditions with modern ideals of youth and innocence, allowing the work to co-exist within the past and the present simultaneously. This idea is also deeply rooted in Akpojotor’s artistic process.
“I source discarded pieces of Ankara fabric from the floors of neighbourhood tailors. I love this part of the process, as I see the tailor’s shop as a point where the fabrics meet. The fabric holds within them personal stories as well as a deep cultural significance, rooted in Nigerian tradition and worn by several generations of women. I see it as a means to connect with my heritage and my community. The work starts with an idea, which then develops over time. My references are the people around me. I make sketches, which I then transfer to the canvas. I start layering and manipulating the fabric as I progress, creating complexity within the work. I follow up with acrylic to paint the remaining areas while also incorporating other materials to create a degree of tension within the work.”
Portrait of Marcellina Akpojotor. Photo by Ayobami Ogungbe, 2023. Image courtesy of the artist and Rele Gallery
I asked Akpojotor which piece she felt resonated with her the most, and she spoke about “Bloom and Joy” which depicts her own family life: “Showcasing a tender moment between my husband and our children. It depicts the joy and beauty that bloom in these relationships.” - Marcellina Akpojotor
Joy of More Worlds exhibition at Rele Gallery le Gallery
More information about Marcellina Akpojotor