Kelani Abass

Donated by the artist

"The impact of the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos on African artists cannot be overemphasised. Its importance and value lies in being both a product of and witness to a specific time and era, in educating people and creating platforms. As one of the artists who has benefited from the various projects at the Centre, I see the enormous advantage in the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos continuing its important work in Africa and the Diaspora."

"I am intrigued by the questions of how past and present coalesce, how an archive contributes to the practice of memory and historical recall."

Using a variety of archival methods and materials, Kelani’s art is highly personal and nostalgic, and probes the shared history and character of man and machines. He comments on the alienation of the worker and life in West Africa through a wide range of media, and in doing so, he depicts an interpretation of the past, present and future for those from his community.

"I attempt to make a statement about the future that allows the interdependence of different moments, exploring the possibilities inherent in painting, photography, and printing, using archival materials to highlight personal stories against the background of social and political events that also engage time and memory.

"My oeuvre increasingly probes the shared history and character of man and machines through a wide range of media, including installations and works in acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal."