'In The Beginning And So It Goes...' by Ayanfe Olarinde

JD Malat Gallery is delighted to announce the opening of In The Beginning And So It Goes..., a solo show by Lagos-based artist Ayanfe Olarinde (b. 1996). On display from 13 April to 6 May 2023, this exhibition offers a visual narrative of mythological traditions of Yoruba, one of the most prominent and widely recognized cultures in Nigeria and West Africa. The viewers will find themselves on a journey of discovery and enlightenment, as Olarinde's paintings pose questions and ignite curiosity, while offering a pause to reflect on the fluidity of art and life.

In The Beginning And So It Goes... directly references Creation Myth, a folktale exploring the origins of the Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa with a population of about 40 million. Yoruba thought is characterised by its predominantly

oral narrative structure, which serves to elucidate and reveal knowledge about the causes and essence of phenomena that impact both the material and spiritual realms.

Frequently featuring animals and supernatural beings as protagonists, Yoruba folktales have been passed down through generations with the aim of teaching moral lessons to both children and adults. Olarinde’s practice translates these ancient folktales – to which she was exposed as a child – into contemporary mixed media art that speaks to the complexities of modern life.