Ofunne Azinge, a recent BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate has been selected to show in this year’s Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London.
As part of the process, Ofunne was invited to take part in a BBC 2 documentary which followed hopefuls as they entered their work into the exhibition. Two of her large-scale paintings were chosen to be exhibited in the show, hosted this year by renowned artist Yinka Shonibare RA. Ofunne told us:
“My name is first in the booklet and one of my works is placed right at the entrance to the exhibition. How exciting! The feedback has been phenomenal. It has been an incredible experience. I’ve met artists I’ve studied my whole life and I’m in a BBC 2 documentary about the show. Everything is falling into place.”
A Nigerian – British painter now based in Manchester, Ofunne’s work primarily focuses on the history of postcolonialism in Nigeria and its effects on black men across the diaspora and black masculinity in painting. In a recent interview with the University she explained more about the influence her background has had on her work. Read more here.
Images: Ofunne Azinge (left), Dis wan na clone, 2020. Acrylic & image transfer on wood, 200cm x 122.2cm and (right) Ije Ego Di Olu - To look for money is hard, 2000. Acrylic & image transfer on wood, 200cm x 122.2 cm.
Held every year since 1769, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition provides a platform for new and emerging talent to showcase their work alongside world-renowned artists. The exhibition is open for anyone to enter, and features prints, paintings, photography and film, as well as sculpture, architectural works and more. The Summer Exhibition 2021 is open to the public from 22 September 2021 – 2 January 2022.
