Reggie Khumalo, a South African artist, staged his first West African solo exhibition, ‘Mental Revolution,’ from the 13th to the 20th of April 2022, at the famous HourGlass Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria, hosted by J.Room Curated in collaboration with BrownEyedBoy Art Pursuits.
The first day’s vernissage began with a press preview, during which Khumalo discussed the concept behind his body of work, his inspiration, travels, and passion for the African continent with members of the press. At a press conference, he was accompanied by important project stakeholders Jimi Adesanya, Founder of J.Room Curated, and Dozie Igweze, Founder of Hourglass Gallery, who both expressed their gratitude for Khumalo’s work and underlined their mutual enthusiasm for the continent.
Speaking of his first visit to Nigeria, Khumalo said:
“Nigeria, just like every other African country, is truly home to me. I’ve enjoyed meeting its people and experiencing the vibrancy of the culture first-hand. It’s been such a warm welcome, with the spirit of Ubuntu radiating everywhere you go”.
Some of Nigeria’s top art collectors, as well as thought leaders and shapers in music, business, media, fashion, and other fields, attended the exhibition. Guests were given a tour of the ‘Mental Revolution’ exhibition by Khumalo while sipping champagne and cocktails provided by G.H. Mumm & Martell Nigeria.
‘Mental Revolution’ officially opened to the public from the 15th to the 20th of April, with creatives and a diverse range of art fans joining the line-up of guests who saw Khumalo’s first solo show in Lagos, Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure to host Khumalo here in Lagos, Nigeria and witness the power of collaborations with our partner BrownEyedBoy Art Pursuits as well as HourGlass Gallery & G.H. Mumm Champagne. We’ve made so many impactful connections, and the reception of ‘Mental Revolution’ has been reassuring to our cause. It’s very inspiring for us at J.Room Curated, as we look to curate meaningful experiences in the future that celebrate the talent, culture and authenticity from the African continent.” – Jimi Adesanya, Founder, J.Room Curated.
Birthed from a profound introspective outlook, ‘Mental Revolution’ is a calling by Khumalo to the viewer to experience a radical renewal and reconnection with the origins of Africa in its “Eden” state; with Africans, fully self-assured and affirmed, belonging and aware of their self-sufficiency and adequacy. The works are bold and unapologetic about their celebration of Africans in their power, wealth, humanity and Ubuntu.
‘Mental Revolution’ was curated by J.Room Curated and BrownEyedBoy Art Pursuits in partnership with HourGlass Gallery and G.H. Mumm Champagne.
See photos from the West African solo exhibition, ‘Mental Revolution’: