“For the entire month of June, Jide Aje shifts from creating on surfaces within a space (his studio) to creating directly on the surfaces of a space (the Hatch Gallery walls). The jumping off point for this body of work is the traditional, vernacular architecture of the Hausa peoples in the Northern regions of Nigeria in West Africa. Specifically, this is referred to as Tubali architecture. This show starts on June 1 and runs till the 30th. There will be an opening on the 3rd, where there should be about three days’ worth of work on the walls. On the 30th, a closing reception signaling the conclusion holds. In between, the public is encouraged to drop in to watch work in progress.”
Upon entering Hatch’s gallery space, one is instantly immersed in Aje’s paintings. The shapes and motifs beginning to fill the walls reflect the Nigerian tradition of Tubali architecture where similar designs decorate dwellings and mosques establishing the interconnectedness between the Hausa people and their environment. Aje discusses this and its influence on this exhibition in a video artist talk for paid subscribers.
At this early juncture random marks and scraps of paper carrying a range of patterns are layered and pinned on the walls representing concepts that have yet to gel. Materials vary from pastels, paint markers and crayons to bits of thread, old flip-flops and egg cartons.
As the viewer scans what appears a jumble of unrealized ideas, points of mindful organization emerge. A circular blue template cutout in adapted figuration laid over Aje’s comprehensive visual language produces a dimensional arrangement.
On an invitation to create a piece for Signal-Return, Aje launched a printmaking practice. This print contains linocut outtakes from those initial experiments which are assembled into an intricate work that keeps the eye roving. A touch of orange and blue lends a sense of composition.
Formal exhibitions display the culmination of an artist’s effort while the means to get there remains concealed. Such intimacies are revealed as Hatch gallery is transformed into Aje’s studio with materials and ideas flooding the workspace. The opportunity to observe the artist working is also on the menu this month granting a far more rare opportunity than scoring a coveted Taylor Swift ticket.
On view through June 30th at Hatch Art 3456 Evaline Hamtramck
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Brain Candy Monday 6/19 only