Creativity in abundance at African Art Workshop

“It was an opportunity for people to develop their creativity like their African ancestors and look within themselves and the 'land' for inspiration”, was how one participant attending the inaugural event by Better than Good, A Cultural & Spiritual Expression, described our art's workshop at London South Bank University on Saturday 14 May 2011.

Alexandra Galleries newly formed collaboration with Kofi Arts and Yahw Arts, Better than Good, got off to a flying start with a one day art's workshop introducing spiritual expression and customs of African culture. Delegates were challenged to design and create a 3D sculpture using natural materials to convey their understanding of the intricate and sacred spiritual relationship African Art has with nature.

Although some expressed a degree of nervousness, especially having not participated in an art's workshop before, everyone rose to the challenge.

After dividing delegates into small groups, artist’s Alvin Kofi and Ken McCalla looked on as each groups discussed the concepts and formulated their ideas before working on their constructions.

Not only were the final group sculptures amazing in their own right but when asked to describe their work individuals, some with no previous art background, were able to demonstrate their understanding of the concept of spirituality in African art and articulate their inner journey of expression.

Sculptor, Fowokan George Kelly rounded up the day by giving a rare insight into the mystical world presented in African art and later accompanied Kofi viewing each group’s contribution and offering the wise observation of a master artist.

“Saturday's workshop was excellent. I loved the process of creating, meeting new people and listening to a few words from Fowokan. Looking forward to more events like this”, said Project Manager Marcia.

Fowokan, his life and work, is being celebrated by Better than Good with a series of three events culminating in the launch of a limited edition set of prints. This final event in the trilogy will take place on Thursday 2 June between 8.00 – 9.30pm at the New Veranda Restaurant, 30 Acre Lane Brixton SW2. For more details contact Clem Richards on 07802486191. Admission is Free.

FOWOKAN: His Spiritual and Political Journey

Alexandra Galleries has come together with Yahw Arts and Kofiarts to launch Better than Good (BTG), an arts education initiative aimed at highlighting the achievements of Black Artist's in Britain.

The coalition was formed out of a passion for the arts and a desire to strengthen the link between the artist, their community and the art appreciative public. A diverse programme of events is planned to stimulate discussion and creative thought which the group hopes will lead to a deeper cultural, moral, aesthetic and personal awareness of Black art in Britain. BTG has teamed up with London South Bank University to launch this ambitious project.

BTG is the brainchild of artist's Ken McCalla and Alvin Kofi, and Clem Richards of Alexandra Galleries. The three worked together in 2009 presenting "A thin line between love and the Black Arts", a panel discussion at the Original gallery on the issues facing young and emerging black artists pursuing a career in the creative arts. Among the panel at that lively debate were, artist Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE, photographer Charlie Phillips, journalist and broadcaster Dr Mike Phillips.

To launch this ambitious programme, BTG will be presenting A Spiritual and Political Journey of an Artist, an evening in conversation with an icon of the Black British art movement, Fowokan George Kelly (see photo above).

It was during a visit to Benin Nigeria in the mid-1970's that Sculptor Fowokan George Kelly experienced a somewhat spiritual enlightenment that led him on a path to becoming one of the UK's leading sculptors with work deeply rooted in the traditions of pre-colonial Africa and ancient Egypt.

Nearing 70, and showing no sign of curbing his ambition or his dedication to encouraging the next generation of Black artists, Fowokan, a true "Elder" of the UK black art scene, shares insights, influences, stories and writings of his incredible creative journey.

Taking the Yoruba name Fowokan, meaning 'one who creates with the hand', he began practising as a sculptor in 1980. Over a period of some 30 years he has received many prestigious commissions, including the South bank Spring Festival, Marcus Garvey Centenary celebrations and the African People's Historical Monument Foundation.

He has exhibited at the Studio Museum in Harlem USA, the British Museum and the Royal Academy London. His sculptures are in collections such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute at Harvard University, the University of the West Indies, Unilever and Marcus Garvey Park, as well as in private collections in various parts of the world. He was elected as an honouree to the prestigious Royal Society of Portrait Sculptors.

Fowokan will be interviewed by artist Larry Achimpong, with a media presentation of Fowokan's work narrated by actor, writer and director Shango Baku.

There is also an opportunity for students and artists to participate in Cultural & Spiritual Expression - A master class in African cultural Expression, an arts workshop which explores the ideology behind African symbolism. Participants will be challenged to create and express themselves through 3D construction and the process of design. Fowokan gives a rare insight into the mystical world presented in African art with artist's Alvin Kofi and Ken McCalla also facilitating the workshop.

To register your interest in these events email betterthangoodart@yahoo.co.uk.

Cultural & Spiritual Expression - A master class in African cultural expression

Sat 14 May 2011, 12pm - 4pm

London South Bank University

Abbey Conference Suite

100 - 116 London Road

London SE1 6NG

A Spiritual & Political Journey of an Artist

Tues 17 May 2011, 6.30pm - 9pm

London South Bank University

Event's Theatre

Keyworth Centre

Keyworth Street

London SE1 6NG

African Art Sale

Alexandra Galleries are pleased to announce substantial reductions on original African paintings by Ghanaian born artist Jerry Blankson. Blankson has had a long association with Alexandra Galleries, dating back to 2004 when he arrived from Lagos in Nigeria where he had relocated after leaving Ghanatta College of Art & Design in Accra.

It was during his time in Lagos that Jerry developed his style in mixed media and subsequently had his first exhibition of paintings called Craft Heritage with a group of local artists. Jerry says, "My paintings for me represent my cultural heritage, the colourful sights and sounds of Ga Mashie and stimulate feelings of peace, unity and love within the viewer".

He has featured in two recent exhibitions with Alexandra Galleries, Calling Africa a solo show at Diverse Gallery in 2009 and The Journey: Cultural Expressions in 2010, a group exhibition at the Original Gallery in Hornsey where he exhibited alongside Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy (MBE), Alvin Kofi and Carol John.

"These reductions are incredible and I expect these paintings to be snapped up by appreciative collectors", says Clem Richards of Alexandra Galleries. Blankson made the call to Richards early this week informing him to reduce the prices of his existing paintings. At these prices Blankson's paintings are a real bargain. For more information on Jerry Blankson contact Clem Richards.

Ibiye and Sokari Douglas Camp

Last week Alexandra Galleries completed the framing of eleven paintings by 19 year old London artist Ibiye Camp, daughter of one of the leading female sculptors of African origin, Sokari Douglas Camp, CBE.

Ibiye, currently studying BA Fine Art at Byam Shaw, Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, was preparing for her first major show at Artco Gallery in Herzogenrath Germany where she will display a collection of her portrait paintings.

The exhibition opens on Friday 11 March and Ibiye, whose bubbly character instantly comes across in her work, is both excited and nervous at the prospect of her first major exhibition.

The planning and organising has had to fit in with preparations for her college end of term show, her lectures and of course a busy social life. But she need not worry as not only is her work refreshingly youthful and showing signs of promise, but she comes from a formidable stable of artists. As well as an accomplished sculptor for a mother she can also boast a successful architect father and an older sister who is a photographer.

Ibiye works with oil and acrylic paint both on board and on canvas. Her portraits are varied but predominantly based upon London life, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, style and vibrant youth culture. Growing up in Walworth, near Elephant & Castle SE17, has clearly had an influence on this young, and very ambitious artist. Her portraits focus on the energetic, diverse and confident nature of those people closest to her rather than convey the negative side of youth culture often associated with that busy part of London.

Ibiye sites Chris Ofili, Paul Gaugin, Lucian Freud and Frank Auerbach among the many that have influenced her work.

When I visited the stunning family home, designed and built by father Alan Camp, to deliver the framed portraits I caught up with Douglas Camp in her studio/gallery and enquired as to what she was working on. As well as preparing for a solo exhibition in October 2011, also at Artco Gallery, she told me that she had not too long returned from the Bahamas where she had been invited to submit a proposal for a public art commission.

Her long time friend the photographer, writer, curator and lecturer David A Bailey, MBE who has well established links with the Bahamian art community, was the instigator. It was Bailey who curated the Remember Saro-Wiwa Living memorial, designed and built by Douglas Camp, to keep alive the issues that Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people of the Niger Delta fought and died for.

Discussions between Douglas Camp and officials in the Bahamas are well on the way. Meanwhile the artist considers the prospect of having to spend some 3 - 4 months away from her family, on a tropical island in the sunny Caribbean. How daunting!

Framing Clinic this weekend

Saturday 5 March

10am - 2pm

Admission Free

Spring is in the air and at a time when house clearance is top of most people's To-Do list Alexandra Galleries is offering to frame all those prints still rolled up in postal tubes and languishing on top of the wardrobe, and help get them on the wall where they belong. More....

Framing Tales - Only Fools and Horses

Among the items brought in for framing in January were a collection of film and TV memorabilia, belonging to a Wimbledon businessman , and a set of interesting masks purchased by a photographer whilst on a recent assignment in the Caribbean.

As an avid fan of Only Fools and Horses, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin and Blackadder I was delighted to be asked by Mr B to re-mount and re-frame his collection of autographed photos of these BBC comedy giants.

I am not embarrassed to admit that I am old enough to have seen the original series of all three productions (Rising Damp anyone?) and can remember many of the episodes, including Del Boy and Rodney dressed up as Batman and Robin in their memorable Christmas special.....I've never laughed so much!

I also did a little research on the internet so that I could add credits to each collection, detailing the cast, year, writers etc, a personal touch for which Mr B was grateful.

The masks meanwhile, had to be set in a box and framed for presentation purposes. Ms W chose a deep rebated satin white frame with a complimenting ice white mount. This proved a good choice as it accentuated the colours of the masks and made them look very stylish in their contemporary frame. This was the look Ms B wanted for her hallway.

Other unusual objects we have recently been asked to frame include; football shirts, stamp collections and vinyl records. Framing your most personal treasured items ensures it provides a lasting memory for you and your family, and avoids potential disasters.

A quick reminder to those of you in South London who find the trek to our studio in Beckenham too far, why not come along to our Framing Clinic on Saturday 5 March at Streatham United Reformed Church where we will be accepting your prints, photo's, canvases etc for framing. Choose from our selection of frames and mounts and let us do the rest. We also promise to deliver your work back to you within 14 days. For more details call 020 8249 5807.

Framing Clinic

Saturday 5 March 2011, (10-2pm)

Admission Free, Free parking.

Streatham URC Hall, 388 High Road, Streatham, London SW16 6HX (next to ice rink)

Sisters in Spirit Exhibition celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month 2010 kicks off on October 1 with the opening of Sisters in Spirit, an exhibition of work by ten UK based female artists at the Original Gallery, situated on the first floor of Hornsey Library N8.

Commissioned by Haringey Council Arts & Culture department, Clem Richards of AG has assembled a group of artists, at different stages in their career, and examines the central themes of their artistic explorations; such as the unity of the family, relationships, the Black British experience, spirituality and identity.

The exhibition is an opportunity to see the everyday influences of Black British women, whether as a student, mother, business woman or employee and uncovers a primitiveness and traditional thread that binds their work together.

Sisters in Spirits showcase the works of Soheila Keyani, Paulette Robinson, Melanie "Shay" LaRocque, Michaela Lavine Lewin, Carol John, Munirah Olton, Dionne Ible, Jennifer Lewis, Carol Ann Edwards (Cezanne) and Mary Osinibi (Mary O) for this landmark exhibition at The Original Gallery and forms part of Haringey's 2010 Black History Month celebrations.

The artists will be available on rotation on certain days throughout the exhibition to guide visitors through the exhibits. If you are arranging a group visit and would like to be accompanied by one of the featured artists please contact AG on 020 8249 5807.

If you wish to attend the private viewing on Thursday 30 September 2010, 6.30 - 9.00pm please RSVP on info@alexandragalleries.com.

Sisters in Spirit - The Original Gallery Haringey Park London N8 9JA, 1-31 October 2010. Mon -Fri 13.00 - 19.00 hrs Sat - Sun 12.00 - 16.00 hrs. Admission Free.