Rele Gallery is marking its 10th anniversary this year, after transforming from a single gallery in Lagos to a transnational cultural powerhouse spanning three continents.
Founded on February 1, 2015, by visionary director Adenrele Sonariwo, the gallery has emerged as a critical platform for contemporary African artistic expression.
Rele has also become a dominant force in the art world.
What began as a local initiative in Nigeria has blossomed into a global phenomenon, with strategic gallery locations in Lagos, Los Angeles and London. This expansion represents more than geographical growth—it symbolises a profound commitment to amplifying African artistic voices on the world stage.
“This anniversary is not just about our achievements,” Sonariwo explains, “but an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to championing contemporary African art and supporting the next generation of artists.”
The milestone year promises a year-long celebration featuring a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops designed to engage diverse audiences and foster critical conversations about African art.
These events will not only showcase the gallery’s rich history but also explore critical themes in contemporary African art, engaging diverse audiences across multiple cities including New York and Miami.
This programme will feature a series of curated exhibitions, including a selection of works from previous Young Contemporary Project (YCP) participants and established artists, alongside special projects exploring critical themes in contemporary African art that promise to provoke and inspire.
Rele Gallery will produce limited-edition, collectable publications and digital content documenting their history and impact, while exploring the current landscape of contemporary African art.
In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, Rele London presents “Pink // Blue,” a solo exhibition by Nigerian artist Ameh Egwuh, which explores the complexities of masculinity, challenging the limitations of traditional narratives. Egwuh’s work utilises contrasting colours, pink and blue, to deconstruct reductive stereotypes surrounding masculinity.
The show promises to challenge traditional narratives around masculinity through a nuanced exploration of colour symbolism and gender performance.
The opening reception for “Pink // Blue” was held on Thursday, January 30.
As a woman-led, Black-owned institution, Rele has consistently pushed boundaries. The gallery has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talents while simultaneously providing established artists with international platforms. Its poly-vocal approach has been crucial in reshaping global perceptions of African contemporary art.
The gallery’s approach goes beyond mere exhibition—it’s about creating connections, challenging narratives, and providing meaningful platforms for African artistic expression.
As Rele celebrates its first decade, it calls to mind the importance of intentional, thoughtful cultural institutions that prioritise representation, innovation and artistic excellence.
For art enthusiasts, cultural scholars, and supporters of global artistic representation, Rele’s 10-year celebration promises to be an unmissable exploration of contemporary African art’s vibrant, evolving landscape.
