Artist Joshua Akinwumi’s exhibit comes to Westminster for Black History Month

The exhibition, that is running between 2-14 October 2023, has been artistically curated to transcend boundaries and inspire and uplift viewers with the powerful message that there is no limit to what they can do.

The inspiration for this exhibition stemmed from Akinwumi’s recognition of October as Black History Month, a time when people celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community. For the artist, it felt like the perfect occasion to convey a powerful message of hope and encouragement to not only the Black community but to humanity as a whole.

Akinwumi said: “My artistic endeavours have always been centred around themes of hope and empowerment and this exhibition provided a unique opportunity to leverage my art as a means to uplift and inspire the world once more. The idea that there are no limits to what we can achieve, no height too high for us to scale, lies at the heart of this exhibition's inspiration.”

He is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share his work with the public, as the exhibition offers a platform for him to connect with his audience and share stories and emotions which are embedded in each piece. For Akinwumi, the prospect of witnessing how his art resonates with people, evokes emotions, or sparks conversations is truly exciting. 

He said: “I look forward to the exchange of ideas and perspectives that can emerge from this interaction, as it enriches both my artistic journey and the experiences of those who engage with my creations. My deepest aspiration is for the audience to depart with an amplified belief in their ability to manifest their dreams and aspirations. I want them to realize that there are no circumstances or conditions that can confine their potential because they are truly limitless.”

Akinwumi has been an artist for the past eight years but never thought this would be the path he would go down. During his time at university, he started to explore art, finding his mixed-media style. He has now gone on to create memorable pieces and open Motayo Gallery which offers a platform for African art and provides a space for art lovers and artists to communicate.

He added: “It feels like a humorous twist of fate, as I often jest that I didn't choose art; rather, art chose me. Reflecting on the past eight years, art has emerged as my sanctuary, offering a profound avenue to convey my most significant thoughts and serve as a catalyst for positive change.”

The exhibition is free and will be open between 10am-6pm on Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Find out more about the exhibition.