Aina Yusuff's "Ènìyàn: Escape Room"

Greetings, 1TRIBE family!

We're delighted to share the journey through an enthralling exhibition, "Ènìyàn: Escape Room," by Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist, Aina Yusuff. Since its opening earlier this month at Art Twenty One, Aina’s exhibition has been inviting spectators on an introspective journey, vividly portraying his personal transformation and underlining the importance of mental wellness in our 1TRIBE community.

Aina's exhibition provides a comprehensive look into his creative journey, exploring his transition from vulnerability to self-awareness and strength. It consists of 31 new paintings, a site-specific installation, and a soundscape, all serving as gateways into the artist’s exploration of self and society.

Inspired and catalysed by the profound introspection brought on by the pandemic's seclusion, Aina takes us on an immersive voyage of vulnerability, resilience, and relentless pursuit of personal growth. This resonates deeply with the 1TRIBE ethos, as we value individual growth, resilience, and the promotion of mental health within our community.

"Ènìyàn: Escape Room" presents six unique rooms, each characterised by a distinct colour correlating to a group of emotional states. The artist explained, "The issues I explore encompass both physical and psychological aspects... I invite the public into a space of self-awareness—a fertile ground to confront the situations lurking in the shadows of our personal lives and in society at large."

Dolly Kola-Balogun, the founder of Retro Africa and the curator of the exhibition, beautifully captured the essence of the project stating, 'In the transformative realm of our minds, viewers are invited to explore their own paths of self-discovery, finding solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.' The exhibition and project are curated by Retro AFRICA, embracing the power of art to spark meaningful journeys within.