1-54 London 2024

10–13 October, 2024

Somerset House, The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

Stand W19

London—Pearl Lam Galleries is pleased to announce its inaugural participation at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2024 in London from 10–13 October with a solo exhibition of new works by Nigerian artist Alimi Adewale, titled Terra Mater. Presenting 12 new tapestry works and 10 new sculptures, Terra Mater is a multifaceted body of work that explores the relationship between humanity and nature. The work highlights Earth as a nurturing force, emphasising our deep connection with the planet.

Adewale, born in Lagos, Nigeria, combines painting, sculpture, and installation to explore urban issues and the lives of everyday people in cities. Adewale comments, “Terra Mater is a cohesive exploration of the relationships between humanity and the earth. Through raw and expressive paintings, and sculptural forms, I invite viewers to reflect on our place within the natural world and the emotional landscapes that shape our understanding of self.” 

The portraits in Terra Mater reveal the deep and soulful connection between humans and their environment. Rendered in an expressionist style with exaggerated, distorted features convey raw emotion and psychological depth.  The landscapes, on the other hand, are dynamic and lively, mirroring humanity’s shifting relationship with nature. The sculptures in this series are abstract manifestations of the themes explored in the portraits and landscapes, capturing the tactile and visceral qualities of earth itself and echoing the organic forms found in nature and connecting to themes of identity, transformation, and interconnectedness.

“We are delighted to be part of 1-54 London for the first time this year,” says Pearl Lam, founder of Pearl Lam Galleries. “Last year, on a trip to Lagos, I discovered the talent of Alimi Adewale. Desiring to share his work with a global audience, we invited him to be part of our gallery program and we represent him globally. We’re looking forward to showcasing his compelling works in London ahead of his solo exhibition at our Shanghai gallery next year.”