Okey Ofomata: Respite

M+B is pleased to present Respite, an exhibition of new works by Okey Ofomata. This is the artist’s first solo show with the gallery. The exhibition opens on June 29 and will run through August 3, 2024 with a reception at the gallery from 6 to 8 pm.

Okey Ofomata’s paintings delve into a deeply introspective and multifaceted exploration of narrative and mood, intertwining personal history with broader social commentary. The artist’s process begins with crafting narratives that span diverse locations and ideas, unified by common thematic threads. Drawing from a rich array of references—including films, literature, and personal observations—Ofomata creates works that traverse emotional landscapes marked by frustration, anxiety, reflection, and introspection. This emotional spectrum is balanced against settings that contrast the figures' states, allowing moments of satire and reflection to emerge.

The exhibition, titled Respite, encapsulates the mood these works convey. A respite signifies a momentary relief from something unpleasant, but it also implies a well-timed delay before facing an inevitable truth. In Whine Seller, a black man adorned in knight's armor sits in a medieval cellar surrounded by wine, while behind him, an executioner readies his ax. This frozen moment precedes his imminent demise. Yet, his face displays an archaic smile—serene and willing in the face of death. The tranquility of this scene starkly contrasts the grim setting and the crazed executioner. In Trying, the scene flips, the serene landscape of a golf course’s green is juxtaposed with a figure in mid-swing, whose wide eyes and tense posture betray anything but calm. The angle and force of his swing seem excessive for a gentle putt, suggesting a readiness to unleash fury not just on the ball, but on the surrounding green itself.

Just Go Along With It captures a moment that veers between satire and sobering reality. It depicts President Joe Biden, bearing a bag of fried chicken, sharing a meal with a black family—a starkly exaggerated rendition of an actual event. The jovial expression on Biden's face contrasts sharply with the varied, complex reactions of the family members, ranging from amusement to skepticism. The painting critiques the performative aspects of political gestures, subtly questioning the authenticity and depth of such interactions. The inclusion of a framed portrait of Barack Obama in the background further layers the narrative, invoking the legacy of racial progress and the ongoing complexities of racial representation in American politics.

Together, these paintings explore the tension between external calm and internal turmoil. Ofomata’s work captures fleeting moments of peace amid chaos, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between respite and reality.