Edinburgh Printmakers is delighted to announce a new exhibition by award winning printmaker Ade Adesina running from 27 July to 10 November as part of the 2024 Edinburgh Art Festival. Fresh from being recognised by the French Académie des Beaux-arts with the Mario Avati Engraving Prize and ahead of a landmark exhibition of his work in Paris, Ade Adesina will share a new body of work in his exhibition INTERSECTION in Gallery One at Edinburgh Printmakers. Featuring works in screenprint and lithograph for the first time alongside sculptural installations, works in linocut and woodcut the Royal Academy artist is embracing colour on a large scale for the first time.
Works include a new self portrait titled Griot taken from the West African term for a storyteller and a colourful screenprint diptych using the symbol of the anchor. Using this the artist is representing a dead end. Being anchored and being held down. Adesina sees himself as storyteller with his work trying to find the answers to questions. Describing his artwork as a form of visual communication, many different symbolisms and iconography appear in his prints. From ever changing clouds reflecting uncertainty/anxiety aligns with feelings towards current issues the artist’s work is influenced by including climate change. Piggybank etchings referencing the cost of living crisis and UK road signage and compasses convey a sense of direction.
A series of sculptural installations in the exhibition will act as expanded versions of his prints creating a bridge between individual artworks. Doors are suspended from the gallery ceiling, scorched ladders and cracked earth bring the imagery in prints to life.
Described as one of the most dynamic and accomplished practitioners of original printmaking in the UK today, Adesina was born in Nigeria in 1980 and now lives in Aberdeen, Scotland. He studied printmaking at Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, graduating in 2012. Recent artist residencies include Fossekleiva Kultursenter (Norway), Eton College, Highland Print Studio, Glasgow Print Studio and Grays School of Art. He is a Royal Scottish Academician and member of the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Arts.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition Ade Adesina said: “I want to make work that makes people think. There might be an element that catches your eye and as you look deeper you are drawn into the artwork inviting you to spend time with it. I’ve been experimenting with as many processes as possible so am excited to see how they sit alongside each other and contribute to an impactful show. Like many people I was deeply affected by the image of Syrian boy Alan Kurdi whose body was recovered from a Turkish beach in 2015. This body of work unites themes of migration with wider global political and environmental events.”
Janet Archer, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Printmakers said: “Edinburgh Printmakers have thoroughly enjoyed hosting and working with Ade Adesina for this exhibition. Ade’s singular unconventional printmaking style has been captivating those lucky enough to see his work since he graduated in 2012. As an artist of international renown we’re thrilled that he has used this solo exhibition to develop his practice further experimenting with colour and different printmaking techniques. In a time of global turmoil Ade’s work is vital, accessible and engaging showcasing the possibility and versatility of printmaking. We’re delighted to be in a position to show Ade’s work in Gallery One whilst also hosting fellow British Nigerian artist Tayo Akelunde in Gallery Two. While both artists bring different areas of focus and printmaking styles, their thought provoking work promises to be some of the highlights of this year's Edinburgh Art Festival.”
27 July 2024 - 10 November 2024
Gallery 1 Edinburgh Printmakers
