Exhibition: The Way They See Us at London Lighthouse Gallery & Studio
Artist Jacqueline Suowari continues to do what she loves, from social observations to pen on paper, in her latest exhibition The Way They See Us at London Lighthouse Gallery & Studio.
Including more than 10 new portraits of her iconic ballpoint pen style, the exhibition, running until October 31, also celebrates art beyond the paper, with performance, poetry and installation art all playing a key role in this story.
Having recently been offered a place to study at The Slade School of Fine Art, this exhibition precedes Ms Suowari’s move to the UK, as she arrives in style with her first UK solo show.
Through her highly skilled mark making, Ms Suowari has earned her title as a draughtsman.
Harking back to her childhood calling, she heroes the humble ballpoint pen, with its ability to create precise contrasts through line.
Taking several months to finish each work, the details bear its creation with the layered strokes presenting the experiences that condition the individual.
On her philosophy of layering, Ms Suowari said: “I like to look at each stroke as the human experience. One experience, one stroke – and the gathering, and layering, and falling together creates the person and their character.”
The Way They See Us is a fictional narrative series based on socio-cultural references from the artist’s hometown of Osubi in Delta state, Nigeria.
The story follows three protagonists who risk it all to unify their community in the face of tragedy.
It bears the idea of embracing differences, with tribes united through love, curiosity and acceptance.
The exhibition seeks to answer the peculiarities of rejection and prejudice surrounding the concepts of identity and the many implications that emanate from it.
With narrowing focus on mental health, it aims to develop simple solutions to the complex ideologies around acceptance.
Across artistic disciplines, Suowari challenges these stigmas surrounding perception, and identity.
Through the secondary addition of colourful backdrops of collage and acrylic paint to her artworks, she weaves in symbols of cultural significance that share her experiences and inspiration.
Pictured: A ballpoint drawing Picture: Jacqueline Suowari