On the evening of the 10th October 2024, we attended the launch of ‘Searching for Roots and Expressions’ an exhibition hosted by Coutts Bank on the Strand, London.
Uniting 7 emerging and established artists, amongst which were DegreeArt Gallery represented artists Joshua Donkor and Ibim Cookey and curated by Sochi Henry-Uche, a Nigerian-born British private banker at Coutts & Co who is a gallerist, and curator with over ten years of experience in both the banking and arts sectors, the exhibition explores the duality of heritage and the complex experience of Black British identity as it relates to positioning, art, and life.
Guests were treated to a panel discussion, moderated by Hannah O’Leary from @Sothebys and featuring Joshua Donkor and Oluwole Omofemi who shared insights into their distinctive practices and the creative journeys they are each on.
'In a world where identities are constantly evolving, the search for roots and expression becomes a profound exploration of self- discovery. This art exhibition invites you on a transcendent journey, delving into the depths of cultural heritage, personal history, and the universal quest for belonging. Artists delve deep into their ancestral past, seeking the threads that connect them to their origins. Through a myriad of mediums, they unearth the layers of history that shape their identities. Roots stretch deep into the soil of ancestry, weaving together threads of tradition, memory, and legacy. They confront the complexities of heritage, embracing both the beauty and burdens passed down through generations. Yet, amidst the exploration of roots lies the powerful force of expression. Through art, artists transcend the confines of language and geography, giving voice to emotions that defy categorisation. This exhibition is a celebration of both past and present moments. Here, expression flourishes in its myriad forms, unrestricted by societal norms or expectations. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and bridge divides. As you wander through the gallery, let these works of art serve as mirrors, reflecting back the diverse tapestry of humanity. In the end, Searching for Roots and Expression is more than just an exhibition; it is a collective pilgrimage, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in its eternal quest for connection and belonging.' Sochi Henry-Uche
Sincere thanks to everyone that made this exhibition possible and congratulations to all 7 of the artists whose work it was a true privilege to experience in person in such a special location.
Exhibiting artists:
Kingsley Ayogu
Michael J. Blebo
Ibim Cookey
Joshua Donkor
Joy Labinjo
Oluwole Omofemi
Orry Shenjobi
About Ibim Cookey: Ibim Cookey, born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, studied architecture at the University of Nigeria. His passion for drawing began in childhood, developing into a distinctive photorealistic style. For his portraits, Cookey uses graphic and charcoal pencils, often combining them with vibrant African fabric designs. The bold textile patterns contrast with his black-and-white drawings, symbolising the connection between identity and culture in the people he encounters. The acrylic-painted backgrounds, inspired by West African wax fabrics, take centre stage in his work, expressing pride in the cultural heritage of the Niger Delta. Despite his young age, Cookey’s work has been exhibited in Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, the USA, and Europe, earning several awards and nominations for prestigious art prizes. LEARN MORE ABOUT IBIM COOKEY
About Joshua Donkor: Joshua Donkor is a Ghanaian-British painter who uses portraiture to challenge monolithic representations of Black identity. His collaborative process involves multiple meetings with his subjects, where they select personal items that resonate with their narratives. These elements are woven into each portrait, creating a layered visual representation of the sitter’s history. “My goal is to tell people’s individual stories,” Donkor says. “What essentially makes the work I do so accessible to so many people has to do with the fact that so many people have a background of being in between; between different cultures and different families. People are stuck in between different worlds that are equally part of themselves.” LEAN MORE ABOUT JOSHUA DONKOR
About the curator: Sochi Henry-Uche is a Nigerian-born British private banker at Coutts & Co, gallerist, and curator with over ten years of experience in both the banking and arts sectors. Driven by a passion for making a positive impact on communities and promoting diversity and well- being through art, Sochi founded the Omaka Gallery as a platform for showcasing diverse artistic expressions and fostering cultural exchange. Sochi’s dedication to art, creativity, culture, and heritage is matched by his commitment to equality and mentoring. Through supporting young people and bringing communities together, he strives to create inclusive spaces that celebrate and elevate underrepresented voices. Throughout his career, Sochi has collaborated with organizations such as Harrods, NHS, Adidas and Westfield among many others. These experiences have provided him with a unique blend of skills and insights, enabling him to make innovative and impactful contributions to the art world and beyond. Sochi remains a steadfast advocate for the transformative power of art, working to inspire, educate, and unite individuals from all walks of life. This exhibition has been a collaborative effort, and special gratitude is extended to France Nsimba-Lay, Simeon Greaves, Melinda Addison, and Kalpna Patel for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication, creativity, and teamwork have been instrumental in brining this project to life.
The exhibition runs until the end of the month and is strictly by appointment which can be arranged by contacting the gallery.
