In A Pot of Hot Soup
"Zine spreads designed using materials critical to the artwork"
Detailed Description
Working with the Brunei Gallery in London, 'In a Pot of Hot Soup' was an exhibition of contemporary Nigerian art, digital and non-digital, centred on artists' explorations of the roles of political voices within Nigeria. I've helped with branding for the initial Design Team, met and talked with the artists, and created spreads crucial to our book's success.
Services
Editorial Design
Type Design
Gallery Exhibition Identity
Industry
SOAS + Brunei Gallery + Arts University Bournemouth
Year
2023
What's the brief?
Create a zine and a visual identity for an exhibition about Nigerian artists for the Brunei Gallery in London
Extra Brief Details
In my art education, prominent African artists were less present. I’ve always wanted to learn from iconic African voices and work with amazing artists to create something worth remembering.
I was fortunate enough to work on The Design Team for the first part this brief! Through my tutor, Andy Vella, I was able to meet Ayo Akiwande and Peju Alitise. Getting to know them as people made me realize the profound opportunity and responsibility of representing somebody’s art.
From there, I was assigned to represent Ayo Akiwande and Bruce Onobrakpeya. I had the chance to work with real professionals in a gallery setting, and I needed to know more about the artists I would be designing for.
Bruce contributed a drawing about women protesting in the nude.
Ayo contributed poetry and photo about politics in Nigeria. Understanding what tools to develop spreads for both artists was crucial.
Key Insight
By using elements spoken of and associated with the art, I was able to physically connect the zine with the art to successfully create an emotional connection.
Ayo’s spread, featuring poetry, told a story of change. By combining plastic and oil, with words flowing through four chambers from sparse plastic pieces to bubbles of oil, this created an immersive narrative despite getting the poetic content on the last day.
Knowing and understanding the artist as well as their work
Bruce’s spreads, featuring women in protest, used red paint strokes to symbolize the fight against oppression, creating an immersive narrative through strong and coordinated arrangements.
The Identity
After completing the poster-zine and visual identity, we visited the Brunei Gallery to see the exhibition. It was incredible to see the artwork in its intended space and be the first to experience the gallery we helped shape.
From start to finish, I represented the artists by creating immersive narrative spreads, adapting to changes, and effectively presenting their work, which convinced our clients of our quality and placed my designs at the front of the poster-zine. This experience fulfilled a long-held dream, and I’m deeply grateful.
In A Pot of Hot Soup Exhibition Zine
Ayo Akiwande's Zine Spread
Bruce Onobrakpeya's Digital Zine Spread
Ayo Akiwande's Digital Zine Zpread
Opening Night 1/4
Opening Night 3/4
Opening Night 4/4
