let’s peel it back

december 16 to january 31 2024

Welcome to an exploration of profound human experiences through the artistic lenses of Crystal Yayra Anthony, Courage Dzidefo Amegatsey, and Sadikou Oukepdjo . This exhibition encapsulates the essence of their creative journey during their time  with us as part of our first year here at dot.ateliers | south labadi. The showcased works delve into universal human elements, each artist navigating different aspects of our daily existence. Crystal delves into vulnerability, Courage into memory, and Sadikou into the existential crisis expressed through mythologies and animistic themes. The connecting thread is the materiality of their practice and the layered nature of their process

Crystal's work explores vulnerability and sensuality and the intricacies of existing. Her time in residence explored alternate ways of being intimate by one’s self or with others through a darker palette. The layered darker tones intensify the intricacies of intimacy experienced within her compositions.

In Anthony’s works the viewer is an intruder whose gaze still finds a place in the  intimate space of her painted figures, in their purest and most vulnerable state

Courage's art is a play of layers, utilizing archival documents and found items to replicate the decay and memories reminiscent of city walls. He captures the beauty of remembering things lost underneath layers, making visible what may go unnoticed. His work invites viewers to engage with the fleeting moments archived beneath the surface.

Sadikou adopts a process-oriented approach, building layers with acrylic latex, paper, fiber, and organic materials. His works, viewed as sculptures, explore the human condition, mythology, and memory. He challenges viewers to question and discuss new mythologies that transcend the separation between humans and animals.

"let’s peel it back" is a conversation piece that unfolds vulnerability, mythology, and memory through the distinctive perspectives of Crystal, Courage, and Sadikou. The exhibition prompts contemplation on our shared experiences and invites viewers to explore the multi-layered facets of the human condition.

installation view