LONDON.- As an extension of
DADA gallery, Oyinkansola Dada reaches beyond the traditional ways of interacting with her audience by introducing an annual art magazine. DADA Magazine bridges the gap between visual art and youth culture, acting as a compass for a new generation of art enthusiasts whilst engaging audiences across the creative spectrum. With visual art as the main focus, the magazine will also engage with other art forms, including fashion, music and literature. The magazine emphasizes pan-africanism with a playful, irreverent energy. By focusing on artists living and working both in Africa and its diaspora, the idea is to foster a deeper sense of community amongst African artists and art lovers across the world.With one issue a year and a new theme each edition, artists and contributors will be invited to interrogate what the theme means to them through their practice.
The first issue of DADA magazine focuses on the critical interrogation and exploration of the word ‘dada’, within the context of art history and in relation to its multiple Nigerian traditional connotations. Dada as an art movement was a leftist anti-war and anti-bourgeois movement. In the Nigerian context, the word dada (Yoruba origin) is used to refer to locks, both in reference to the style of hair and as a name for the wearer. Children born with this hairstyle are thought to be spiritual beings and descendants of gods. However, outside of its spiritual meaning, there are also strong negative reactions to dreadlocked people, who are considered radical and ungovernable, simply for having the hairstyle. The first issue brings together a young and exciting group of artists across Africa and its diaspora who represent a new generation of black artists embodying the spirit of radicalism and counterculture present in the word dada. For DADA Magazine’s first issue contributors include Olaolu Slawn, Daniel Obasi, Tunji Adejani and Bunmi Agusto.
Dada Gallery
DADA gallery has earned a reputation for introducing the most exciting emerging artists from Africa and its diaspora to international audiences in an accessible and affordable way. The gallery champions artists whose practice reflects the times and develops new ways in which art can speak truth to power. DADA Gallery is committed to promoting artists exploring wide ranging themes such as youth, identity, sexuality, cultural and socio-economic issues. Through exhibitions presented in physical spaces in London and Lagos and online exhibitions, DADA invites audiences to engage with its roster of young, vibrant artists in innovative and immersive ways.
