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Doyle Wham presents In Bloom, Morgan Otagburuagu's first global exhibition

This April, Doyle Wham will showcase the first global exhibition of Nigerian artist Morgan Otagburuagu.

Image: Blush (2023) by Morgan Otagburuagu. Courtesy of the artist and Doyle Wham

Morgan Otagburuagu is a self-taught photographer who has made a significant impact in the fashion and art industries with his unique style of portraiture. In this exhibition, his latest series, In Bloom, receives its global debut, and it carries immense importance for the artist. The works symbolise a move towards rebirth and re-emergence after a personal tragedy - the loss of both parents in 2021 - which caused a two-year hiatus in Otagburuagu's creative journey.

In this body of work, Otagburuagu explores the cyclical nature of life and death and how nature reflects and embodies that process. Flowers play a vital role in this series, as they are significant markers that people associate with both celebrations and mourning, representing respect for the past and hope for the future.

Image: In Bloom (2023) by Morgan Otagburuagu. Courtesy of the artist and Doyle Wham

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Beyond the personal context of its creation, In Bloom has a powerful societal and political message - that dark Black skin is beautiful. Working in the fashion industry in Lagos, Otagburuagu is confronted with the realities of colourism daily, particularly observing how dark-skinned women can be stigmatised and the growing popularity of skin lightening treatments. The artist is committed to combating this in his work by collaborating with darker-skinned models and always striving to highlight the inherent beauty in Blackness.

In honour of London Gallery Weekend (2-4 June 2023), the artist will be offering visitors the unique opportunity to become part of the artwork series by having their portrait taken by Otagburuagu in a custom floral setting within the gallery, in the style of In Bloom. During the exhibition, the artist will be travelling outside of Nigeria and will be in residence at Doyle Wham, hosting special events ranging from masterclasses to panel discussions and Nigerian-inspired supper clubs.

Image: Bountiful (2023) by Morgan Otagburuagu. Courtesy of the artist and Doyle Wham

All artworks will be available for purchase at the gallery and through Doyle Wham's online shop, with a special time-limited edition available for £100, reflecting Doyle Wham's commitment to making art collecting more accessible.

Date: 21 April -10 June 2023. Location: 91a Rivington Street,EC2A 3AY. Price: Free. Website: doylewham.com

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