Much Love, Kelani Fatai

Eclectica Contemporary is pleased to end of the year on a gentle note with a new solo presentation ‘Much Love, Kelani Fatai.’ This exhibition marks the debut solo presentation of the emerging artist. Kelani Fatai was born and raised in Mushin, Lagos and had discovered his passion for art from the age of six. After his apprenticeship under two Lagos-based artists, Damilola Opedun and Muyiwa Williams, he attended the Yaba College of Technology to study art and design and acquired a Higher National Diploma in painting in 2019. The artist has surfaced his career with showcasing in multiple exhibitions internationally with notable shows ‘Feminity’ (2022)with the Lorin Gallery, ‘Black Joy’ (2022) and ‘Body Rhythms’ (2022) at TAAG Gallery, ‘Florescence’ (2022) with Mitochondria Gallery and ‘Women in Charge’ (2023) at Christopher Person. The artist has also featured in several group exhibitions ‘No Prisoners, Only Trophies’ (2023) and ‘Now you see me, Now you don’t’ (2023) at Eclectica Contemporary.

Fatai’s works are inspired by nature and by his surroundings in Lagos. His works are a testament to the power and the beauty of human beings, capturing their essence, emotions and interconnectedness. Fatai believes that art has the extraordinary ability to amplify voices, bridge gaps, and shed light on the human condition. By showcasing the diverse range of emotions of love, joy, hope and pain, the artist seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beauty of the individual. As viewers explore the exhibition, they will be confronted by a vibrant tapestry of human emotions and experiences. From the story of two lovers, to the freedom of individuals and politics of shared spaces, to the celebration of happy individuals, to the determined gaze of an immigrant, each portrait presents a narrative that is simultaneously universal and deeply personal. Ultimately, his works revolve around the beauty of elegant, albeit simply-clad, black individuals. Through the unidentified flowers in his versatile impressionist and realist paintings, he highlights the message of love and togetherness as he expresses the world through his lens.

– Much Love,
Kelani Fatai