Pascal Konan’s Solo Exhibition, Unfinished Symphony, at The Melrose Gallery 8 February – 9 March 2025
The Melrose Gallery is thrilled to present Unfinished Symphony, a solo exhibition by renowned Ivorian artist Pascal Konan, curated by Mpumi Mayisa. Running from 8 February to 9 March 2025, this exhibition delves into themes of resilience, transformation, and continuity through Konan’s expert use of diverse materials and fragmented figuration.
In Unfinished Symphony, Konan delves into the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, reflecting on the evolving narratives of African identity in a rapidly urbanizing and globalized world. Drawing from his experiences in Abidjan’s vibrant yet precarious neighborhoods, Konan employs a mixed technique, incorporating denim, bleach, acrylic, and Chinese ink as both material and metaphor, offering a nuanced commentary on urban African life.
Each material and tool selected by Konan brings a unique dynamic to his compositions, reflecting his desire to work with elements from his environment that evoke reflection. The combination of denim and bleach creates a rich spectrum of tones, while acrylic and Chinese ink shape fragmented human forms, addressing themes of transformation and resilience in contemporary African cities.
Konan’s layered compositions feature dancing, fragmented bodies inspired by contemporary dance and Renaissance iconography against textured backdrops. This juxtaposition of movement and stillness captures the rhythmic choreography of life, where the sacred and the profane coexist. The exhibition emphasizes the sacredness of humanity, resonating with spiritual undertones influenced by Konan’s Christian faith and musical sensibilities.
Curator Mpumi Mayisa’s approach contemplates the profound existential questions posed by Konan’s work, drawing inspiration from Gauguin and life itself: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? These inquiries are visually and conceptually grounded in the artist’s belief in the eternal significance of human life and the transformative potential of collective care.
“Pascal Konan’s work reveals the poetry of existence in all its precarities and potentials,” notes curator Mpumi Mayisa. “His practice reflects a deep understanding of materiality, where each element contributes to the dynamic energy of his compositions. His depictions of dancing figures prompt us to reflect on the interconnectedness of humanity and the enduring capacity for renewal and hope.”
As an artist whose work transcends geographical boundaries, Konan strives to create universally resonant pieces. By utilizing symbolic codes and accessible visual languages, he bridges the specificity of African urbanity with global audiences, offering both a critique of contemporary social conditions and an invitation to envision a more harmonious future.
Join us at The Melrose Gallery in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, for the opening of this solo exhibition on Saturday 8 February 2025 at 11am.
About Pascal Konan
Born in 1979 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Pascal Konan graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Abidjan, where he now teaches painting while actively pursuing his art. Grounded in the daily life of Abidjan’s residents, Konan’s work celebrates the vibrancy of African cities while bearing witness to their challenges. Drawing from his upbringing in the suburbs of Abidjan, Konan seeks to explore the human soul through the rhythms of urban life. His art delves into themes of collective energy and human interconnectedness, often conveyed through dense, abstract forms that evoke vitality and introspection.
Konan’s paintings are characterized by a striking palette of reds, yellows, and blacks, with textures and patterns that oscillate between chaos and harmony. His mastery of narrative abstraction captures the complexities of contemporary African life, balancing exuberance and fragility in equal measure.
Unfinished Symphony is a testament to Konan’s vision of humanity as sacred and resilient, inviting viewers to engage with life’s perpetual state of becoming, where remnants of the past carry the potential for tomorrow’s harmony.
About The Melrose Gallery
The Melrose Gallery is a leading pan-African contemporary gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa. Representing established and emerging artists whose voices speak to significant issues on the African continent and globally, the gallery is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of African contemporary art elders and supporting the emerging young guard of artists from Africa and the Diaspora.
The gallery curates exhibitions, participates in art fairs, supports artists at Biennales, and collaborates with leading museums to present significant non-commercial exhibitions.
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