The Myths of Toyin Ojih Odutola Debut at the Barbican Centre

For her debut at the Barbican Centre, the Nigerian-American artist has chosen an epic series of new works on exhibition in The Curve. It is an installation dedicated to an ancient myth, actually the fruit of the imagination of the artist, immersed in the sonic landscape of Peter Adjaye. Created in pastels, charcoal and chalk, the installation presents a series of 40 drawings, each of which is an autonomous episode within a broader narrative. The artist invites the spectator to piece together the fragments of her stories, launching them into a surreal landscape, inspired by the rock formations of Plateau, one of the states of Central Nigeria. The works explore an imaginary prehistoric civilisation, characterised by dominating women with men at their service. Calling upon ancient history and popular culture, Ojih Odutola explores the dynamics of power at play within a community, offering the public monumental yet intimate portraits. Drawing becomes a narrative process through which to speak of familiar stories through an imaginary alternative reality.