Láolú's Exhibition at BOCCARA ART
Láolú Senbanjo is a performance artist, singer, songwriter, musician, human rights lawyer, and activist who held an engaging pop-up exhibit at Boccara Art from February 1st to March 7th of 2020. This two-floor gallery displayed all his wondrous works.
The Nigerian bred, but now Brooklyn based artist, used this exhibit to truly showcase that the world is his canvas. His mediums are diverse and range from canvases, musical instruments such as pianos and guitars, sneakers, motorcycles, outwear such as jackets and purses, and the intimate human body.
Láolú has named his technique the Sacred art of the Orí which derives its fundamentals from the Yoruba religious practice. This practice centers itself on becoming one with yourself or awakening the God in you (Orí). His spirituality is evident in his work as only one that has such connections with their being would be able to create such intricate works that are admired by all.
His artistic genius can also be seen in collaborations with renowned celebrities and brands including Beyoncé, Lupita Nyong’o, Alicia Keys, Nike, Starbucks, Facebook, Apple and more.
During his appearance at the exhibit on March 7th attendees were able to experience a live performance of his art in action as he painted guests faces and ones upper torso with white paint, creating beautiful and unique patterns.
The exhibit had lively music which guests engaged in actively, which Láolú himself partook in. It was visible that his art extended far past surfaces but largely included the human body too, as it awoke guests to their own movements.
As his art decorated the walls, the event clearly integrated itself with his creations. Upon first entrance, there was a painted motorcycle along with mannequins clothed in jackets and purses that were graced by his artistic sense. There was a hallway lined with a series of photos including him and his previous works that he's done.
The next two rooms downstairs contained large canvases with acrylic paint atop. A lot of his paintings were heavily focused on females. This method of expression was exuberantly expressed with a variety of colors such as reds, yellows, oranges, and greens. The brilliance of Láolú’s mind was displayed as he often contrasts black and white figures against the colorful background.
His pieces were moving. It was notable how heavily he invested himself in his work as each appeared to be an extension of his mind.
Láolú’s diverse geographical and occupational background is part of what makes his work so special as its contributions to his life experience display themselves in his work.
Photos by Laolu
