Ifeyinwa Joy Chiamonwu at Jack Shainman Gallery

Young Nigerian artist Ifeyinwa Joy Chiamonwu amazes with her photo realist style and the pleasure she takes in painting elements of Igbo tradition.  In this piece titled ‘Umunne (Siblings)’ at Jack Shainman Gallery on 24th Street, Chiamonwu depicts two of her siblings in a moment of peaceful unity as they pose together with closed eyes.  A cowry shell bracelet symbolizing prosperity and snail shells signifying abundance speak to the family’s cultural wealth.  (On view in Chelsea through Feb 19th.  Masks and social distancing required.)

Ifeyinwa Joy Chiamonwu, Umunne (Siblings), charcoal, sepia, pastel and acrylic paints on canvas, 46 ½ x 46 inches, 2021.

Odili Donald Odita at Jack Shainman Gallery

Nigerian American artist Odili Donald Odita aims to make paintings that ‘exist before language,’ a strategy that works immediately in his high-impact wall mural at Jack Shainman Gallery’s 24th Street space in Chelsea. (Through Jan 30th).

 Odili Donald Odita, Installation view of ‘The Velocity of Change,’ at Jack Shainman Gallery, Dec 2015. On view through Jan 30th, 2016.