In keeping with Manchester Art Gallery’s theme of Fashion for the current season, Boris Nzebo’s ‘Urban Life’ exhibition adds a colourful and powerful addition to the current programme of events.
Commenting on contemporary modern life with strong urban influence, the show demands to be observed, using striking colours in distinctive line overlay and abstract compositions. Conflicting scenes of typical city living with cultural hairstyles, Nzebo’s work makes efficient use of space and creating discussion with the two styles working seamlessly to create a vision.
The canvases are symbolic of Nzebo’s own experiences, echoing his hometown of Douala in Cameroon. What is notable in Boris’ work is the clear graffiti influence, taking note from his inner city hometown surroundings and street art culture.
Stylistic Pop Art method is additionally featured, offering a comment on modern commodity culture and intertwining influences to offer an original statement.
Adopting a signature style by which the artist can easily be recognised for, Nzebo offers an insight to the current lifestyle of a generation, portraying an era beautifully in his line structured designs. Adapting style from his early days decorating Billboards, the artist gained interest in the vividly depicted adverts displayed outside his local beauty parlours.
Nzebo said of this influence; “The shop signs of hair salons served as my first art books and gave me my first examples of painting.”
Also key to assisting Nzebo in finding a signature style were the renowned images of Nigerian Photographer J.D. Okhai Ojeikere, which included black and white shots showing sculptural hairstyles and head wraps.
Free to view all through the season, we certainly recommend paying Manchester Art Gallery a visit over the coming months. With the ‘Urban Style’ and ‘Vogue 100’ exhibitions running simultaneously there is plenty to view if you favour fashion and culture.
Exhibition on from 24th June -13th November 2016
Visit Manchester Art Gallery online to see the full programme of events and exhibitions.
