Samson Bakare

DADA Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Samson Bakare for the 2022 edition of Art X Lagos.

In this body of work, Bakare explores themes of individuality and self expression, with a focus on fashion. Characterised by vivid colours, bold patterns and Bakare’s signature protruding eyes, the aim is to show alternative ways of presentation, representing a shift from the confines of typical societal standards. It represents the seismic shift occurring within a new generation, using fashion as a way of self acceptance. This presentation serves as the artist’s debut of his life sized sculptures.

Samson Bakare is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist. His work centres around Black identity and values in both contemporary and historical contexts. His practice is inspired by East African Coptic art, with the theme and subject of his work being a hybrid of classicism and stylisation which he calls Afro-classicism. His work is heavily inspired by fashion and he was among nine artists selected to re-envision and re-interpret the Gucci Ingrid 1947 bamboo bag.