Omenai Gallery, a new beacon in the world of contemporary African art, has opened its first physical space in Chicago’s West Town. Founded by Gbenro Adeyemo in 2021, Omenai began as a digital platform aimed at democratizing access to African contemporary art and quickly established itself as a trusted voice within the community. The gallery’s mission is to elevate African artists’ voices, providing them with global exposure and opportunities. The launch of this physical gallery space is a significant milestone, marking a new chapter in Omenai’s journey to bridge the gap between African artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.

The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, “In-Between Ashes,” features the first solo show of Ghanaian artist Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim. Opening on July 19, 2024, this exhibition explores themes of individuality, community, identity, and human connection through Kwaku’s unique blend of figurative, abstract, and surrealist art. Africans Column had the privilege of interviewing both Gbenro Adeyemo and Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim to gain deeper insights into the gallery’s mission, the exhibition, and the inspirations behind Kwaku’s thought-provoking works.

Africans Column: What inspired you to transition from a digital platform to opening a physical gallery space in Chicago’s West Town?

Gbenro Adeyemo: OMENAI was first launched in 2021 as a social media and digital editorial platform, aimed at democratising global access to the contemporary African art market. Providing transnational industry news and insights, OMENAI quickly carved its identity as an active support system for budding artists, galleries, collectors, and enthusiasts on the African continent and across its vast diaspora. Before long, the platform’s audience would soon recognise OMENAI as a trusted voice within the space, with many collectors enquiring about works that had been featured on our platform. The expansion felt natural and necessary, led by the interests of our collector’s and strong relationships with artists.

Africans Column: Can you share the story behind the name “Omenai” and its significance to the gallery’s mission?

Gbenro Adeyemo: Omenai, means creative in the Bini language of Benin.It’s actually my mother’s maiden name.

Africans Column: How does Omenai Gallery aim to democratise access to African contemporary art while supporting and elevating the voices of African artists, and what strategies do you employ to achieve these goals?

Gbenro Adeyemo: OMENAI’s robust ecosystem works to provide innovative solutions to overcome nuanced obstacles for African and Afro-diasporic artists, fulfilling its mission of elevating African art on the global stage. Artists engage with us because we holistically support their careers, not only through facilitating sales but through the necessary marketing and editorial efforts. On the collector side, there are a variety of different offerings to satisfy, including the unique process of transporting art works – and their narratives – across international border lines. As our platform grows and we gain understanding on how to engage with our following, we have noticed a particularly warm reception to our social media and newsletter. This has fortified the idea that holistic community engagement must remain at the centre of our business.

Africans Column: Can you elaborate on the upcoming launch of the OMENAI app and how it will enhance the gallery’s mission?

Gbenro Adeyemo: Our forthcoming app and broader OMENAI network are designed to connect artists like Kwaku with collectors and art enthusiasts from around the world. This approach ensures that we continually discover and showcase talent, providing artists with the platform they deserve and fostering a global appreciation for African art. We are thrilled to begin this journey with Kwaku and look forward to many more inspiring collaborations.

Africans Column: What can we expect from the launch of Omenai Gallery and Kwaku Owusu’s debut solo exhibition, “In-Between Ashes”? Are there any special highlights or events planned that you’re particularly excited about?

Gbenro Adeyemo: Kwaku was chosen as our first artist because his work resonates deeply with our mission at OMENAI: to celebrate and elevate the diverse voices of African artists. Our initial connection with Kwaku was serendipitous, discovered through our dedicated efforts to seek out and collaborate with artists who bring unique perspectives and creativity to the forefront. We are particularly excited to host our Collector’s preview and of course, the opening reception on the evening of 19 July.

Africans Column: What are your long-term goals for Omenai Gallery, and how do you envision its role in the contemporary art world evolving?

Gbenro Adeyemo: OMENAI currently operates in a range of key markets with strong engagement across cities such as New York, Lagos, Accra and of course, Chicago. With such a diverse and interconnected network, Omenai Gallery will remain focused on the brand’s long-term vision of making a meaningful contribution to Africa’s emerging visual arts scene, providing exposure, access and economic impact for its collaborators. By brokering the sale of and selling their work, exhibiting their work, providing educational content via editorial and newsletter forums, and artists spotlights via editorials, OMENAI has already been influential in the careers of several emerging artists, with notable examples including Orry Shenjobi, Bola Obatuyi and Olasunkanmi Akomolehin. The operations at the gallery, in conjunction with the launch of our app, will no doubt continue to push the boundaries of how art professionals can impact wider society.

Africans Column: Can you share your journey as an artist, including your background and what led you to pursue a career in art, ultimately culminating in your first solo show at OmenaiGallery?

Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim: I started creating art at a very young age before moving to Accra. My volunteering days with children with special needs  deepened my appreciation for sign language and non-verbal communication. This experience led me to explore art more deeply, focusing on surrealistic elements that capture the unseen. My passion for art grew, leading to several group exhibitions locally and internationally to my first solo show at Omenai Gallery.

Africans Column: How has your Ghanaian heritage influenced your art and the themes you explore in your work?

Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim: My Ghanaian heritage deeply influences my art, infusing themes of spirituality, communalism, and the subtleties of human interaction. Ghana has a community oriented culture and These cultural elements shape my narrative and inspire the stories I tell through my work.

Africans Column: Your work is known for blending figurative and abstract art with surrealist elements. Can you walk us through your creative process and how you develop these complex compositions?

Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim: I begin with a central idea or emotion, often inspired by personal experiences, research, or observations. I sketch rough outlines focusing on composition and gestures. The sketch evolves organically, and I transfer it to the canvas, where I layer oil paints, blending figurative and abstract elements with surrealist touches.

Africans Column: “In-Between Ashes” explores the balance between individuality and community. Can you delve into how this theme is represented in your paintings?

Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim: The theme “In-Between Ashes” is inspired by the circle of ashes used in Malidoma Somé’s “The Healing Wisdom of Africa” to resolve community issues. It represents the balance between individuality and community. In my paintings, I depict this balance by showing individuals within communal settings, highlighting their unique identities and collective bonds. The ashes symbolize transformation and reconciliation of the community.

Africans Column: What do you hope the audience will take away from your exhibition, “In-Between Ashes”? Are there specific emotions or reflections you aim to evoke through your work?

Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim: I hope the audience experiences a sense of connection and reflection on the interplay between the conscious and subconscious, individuality, and community. I aim to evoke emotions of understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the subtle beauty of human interactions and spirituality.

Africans Column: What are your aspirations for your art career following this debut solo exhibition? Are there any particular themes or concepts you plan to explore in future works?

Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim: Following this debut solo exhibition, I aspire to continue exploring themes of communication, spirituality, and human connection. I plan to delve deeper into the blending of African and Western cultures and engage more with local and global communities through my art.

As Omenai Gallery opens its doors in Chicago, it sets a new precedent for the representation and celebration of African contemporary art. Gbenro Adeyemo’s vision, combined with Kwaku Osei Owusu Achim’s evocative debut exhibition, promises to ignite conversations and foster connections within the art community and beyond. The gallery not only aims to provide a platform for African artists but also to bridge cultural gaps and inspire a deeper appreciation for the diverse narratives that shape our world. With its robust digital presence and now a physical space, Omenai Gallery is poised to make a lasting impact, enriching the global art landscape and championing the voices of African artists.