Artist in Residence 2017 TO 2020
Damola Adepoju
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Damola Adepoju was born in Lagos, Nigeria and studied painting at the prestigious Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos state. He graduated with several awards among which was the best Higher National Diploma Student Academic award. He also received Distinguished Master Artist award in 2017 and the Yusuf Grillo Prize for painting a figure award in 2009 by the Society of Nigeria Artist. He has participated in over sixty group exhibitions and two solo exhibitions where the most recent solo exhibition “SEEING IN BLACK AND WHITE” was held in Manchester, England, August 2016, at the Chuck Gallery. His paintings have been auctioned in several art auctions in Nigeria, including Sogal Art Auction, Terra Kulture Mydrim Gallery Auction (TKMG), the Bonhams Auction in the UK 2014, and a charitable Auction / exhibition at the Besharat Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia, 2016, to raise funds for Empower54 for the internally displaced in North East Nigeria. His works grace the walls of many private and corporate collectors worldwide.
Damola Adepoju is an expressive painter with an impressive and colorful style evidenced by his superb interpretation of light that amplifies his rendition of everyday life; scenes of busyness whether in streetscapes, architecture, socio- cultural and economic activities. His passion for Black and White (Monochrom) on a newspaper collage with soft touches of gold brush work testifies to his draftsmanship and his mixed media skill.
His works appeared in the “101 Nigeria Artist” and issues of the “Contemporary Nigeria Art” publication. He is one of the founding members of the De- Factori Art Studio, a group of experimenting artists and a member of the Society of Nigeria Artist.
ARTIST STATEMENT
In search of the perfect expression my art takes you on a journey where rediscovery and growth, two supposed opposites, blend to create a symbiosis of form. Yet, don’t muse for too long as my compositions are originally known to be heighlighted with deft emphasis against a direct contrast of soft gold brush work. My soft gold brush work, usually on newspaper collages and relief on textual fonts, conveying iconic headings that elaborate on the subject of my paintings which are layered or embellished onto tonal surfaces. These tonal surfaces flatly absorb the cityscape, architectural mnemonics, the ever-busy Lagos street scenes, and my figures of half nude stylized female. My female forms elicit on overwhelming sense of tension, prompting attention to gender policies as they interrogate, heighten and exaggerate the quandary of the female subject.
I enjoy creating black and white paintings, seeing in black and white, to me, is a narrative in a warm chiaroscuro that uncovers the soul of a city in transition, the triumph of its population in constant motion, and the norm of vehicular procession.
-Served as ASG Art Director 2019-2020
Artist in Residence 2017 TO 2020
Porter Ajayi
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Porter Ajayi started his career at an early age, drawing Marvel Comic characters including Spider Man, Hulk and Captain America from elementary through secondary school. After secondary school, he began dreaming of becoming a professional artist in life.
He attended Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria where he obtained
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Porter Ajayi started his career at an early age, drawing Marvel Comic characters including Spider Man, Hulk and Captain America from elementary through secondary school. After secondary school, he began dreaming of becoming a professional artist in life.
He attended Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria where he obtained a National Diploma in General Arts in 1992. After his National Diploma he gained admission to the prestigious Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria where he obtained a Higher National diploma in Painting in 1997. Porter was born in January 27, 1970 and is married with a daughter.
Porter is currently a member of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos Nigeria. He has participated in several art exhibitions and art festivals within Nigeria and outside the country including the 25th Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles, California and the 27th Wurzburg Africa Festival in Germany. Porter has also completed many commissioned works for both individual and corporate clients. Lastly, he is a full-time studio artist.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am an Abstract Expressionist Artist. My approach to painting is not to interpret philosophy alone but to answer questions with a better interpretation using bold brushes and palette knives. My mixed media approach continues with the use of collage using newspaper and magazines on some surfaces of my canvases. Vibrant colors which play a key role in my abstract paintings makes my work unique. I am energized by the fact that my paintings can be viewed horizontally or vertically. Served as
ASG Co-Founding Director
2016-2020
Artist in Residence 2017 TO 2018
Anne Cheek La Rose
Artist Biography
Anne Cheek La Rose hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and in high school her work won awards at both the local and state level. Anne studied drama at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts. After college, she moved to New York City and worked as an actor on stage and in film and television. It was in NYC that Ann
Artist Biography
Anne Cheek La Rose hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and in high school her work won awards at both the local and state level. Anne studied drama at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts. After college, she moved to New York City and worked as an actor on stage and in film and television. It was in NYC that Anne became an artist in earnest and discovered her writing ability. She is the author of five books on needlework. Anne is proud to say that one of her books is still in print 39 years later. Anne has had three one-woman shows and has written for popular magazines as well as industry publications.
She returned to metro-Los Angeles in 1980 and continued creating and selling artwork. Her work is in public collections in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and private collections across the United States and around the world.
In 2012, Anne turned her attention to photography and now brings her eye for color and texture to this medium where she also employs many of the needlework techniques she has used over the years.
Artist Statement
I photograph what appeals to me, though my photographs are centered on nature and history. These themes touch the soul. Nature is ever changing, and historic subjects can be gone in the twinkling of an eye. Color is my driving force and I often enhance photographs or portions of photographs with color then juxtapose them together. As primarily a textile artist, texture is important to me. Sometimes the lack of texture is just as important.
Artist In Residence
Fidelis Eze Odogwu
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Fidelis Eze Odogwu was born in Agbor, Delta State on the 17th day of November 1970: having completed his Higher education in the famous school of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State in 1991 where he obtained an award of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sculpture.
He worked with renowned Nigerian Master Sculpt
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Fidelis Eze Odogwu was born in Agbor, Delta State on the 17th day of November 1970: having completed his Higher education in the famous school of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State in 1991 where he obtained an award of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sculpture.
He worked with renowned Nigerian Master Sculptor, Ben Osawe, between 1988 and 1989, as part of his studio experience. Odogwu has had a solo exhibition titled 'Square Pegs in Round Holes' held at the Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos in 2012, to his credit. He has also participated in numerous group and joint exhibitions including 'Transcending Boundaries' Cork Street, London in 2013 and 2014; 'Art Expo New York' in 2010; African Now, Bonhams Auction, London 2012 and 2013; 'Expressions Africanes', Caracas, Venezuela, 2008; ArtHouse Auction, Lagos, 2008 till date; exhibition with the Italian Embassy, Abuja, Nigeria, 2012 and 2013; Charity Exhibitions in Nigeria and the UK; Black History Month, Los Angeles 2014; Distinction, Terrakulture Lagos, 2013,2014; Infinite Treasures, Terra Kulture Lagos, 2015 – 2017, Art X Lagos 2016.
Fidelis presented a paper 'The Trends in Contemporary Art Practice in Nigeria' at SOAS University, London, May 2013 and was also at IFITRY Artists Residency in Morocco in November 2013 where he met the likes of Rachid Koraichi and Chris Spring. In his many Art adventures, he was third prize winner at the Nigerian Breweries Limited (NBL)/African Artists Foundation Art competition, 2010 and also had a certificate of merit from Guinness Nigeria PLC Art exhibition, Lagos in 2004.
He is a member of Society of Nigerian Artists (S), Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and African Artists Foundation.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work as a metal sculptor is influenced by gifted welders and sculptors in this medium who taught me all the intrigue hands-on techniques and skills that I know about welded metal and artworks today.
My exhibiting series is titled Possibilities as a tribute to all the females in our families always urging us to run life’s race. In art I view it as a positive process bringing art to life with symbolic movement by shaping welded metal sheets into flexible beautiful art forms. I’m often inspired by possibilities that anything can be accomplish, this speaks to both my personal life and my art.
My medium, welded metal sculpting, is artistically transformational starting with an idea, moves to sketches and drawings, to designing the armature, the framework of the skeletal imagery, and welding with the conventional tools. I have taken the intangible parts of metal, making it tangible by trusting my instincts allowing my creativity to guide my hands which guide my tools resulting in wielded metal creations. Now my story of a people believing anything is possible can be told.
ARtist in residence
Stanley Smith
Artist’s Biography
Stanley Smith is a wood sculptor. As an artist, he is self-trained, but has solid training in drafting and milling techniques. Stan’s love of wood came from watching his brother who is an artist who carves wood. One day, on a break from work, Stan saw a chop saw and a piece of wood. He set the saw at a 45-degree angle, cut the wood, and placed the ends together. Seeing the magic in that angle set Stan on his course as a wood sculptor. Stan has exhibited in Inglewood Open Studios since 2007 and Artfully Spaced Gallery in 2017. He has had two one-man exhibits at the Inglewood Public Library and his work is in private collections.
Artist Statement
I see magic in angles and my work always features compound angles. I work with a wide variety of wood and frequently combine diverse woods for effect. Most of my sculptures are not stained or painted to allow the wood’s natural beauty to be seen. My works are comparatively small and fit well into a home or office.
Artist in residence 2017 TO 2018
Sydney Tuggerson Jr.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
In his decades-spanning work, California-based artist, Sidney Tuggerson Jr. has explored a wide range of art such as realism, figurative and abstract techniques through different materials and mediums. Self-taught, Mr. Tuggerson Jr. began drawing as a means of fulfillment and happiness, drawing for fellow servicemen whil
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
In his decades-spanning work, California-based artist, Sidney Tuggerson Jr. has explored a wide range of art such as realism, figurative and abstract techniques through different materials and mediums. Self-taught, Mr. Tuggerson Jr. began drawing as a means of fulfillment and happiness, drawing for fellow servicemen while serving in the United States Marine Corp overseas. Once back home in the US full-time employment with Los Angeles Unified School District took a great deal of the artist’s time, yet he prevailed and found time, still motivated by nature, life’s realities, the love of his family, Sidney Tuggerson Jr. painted. Between exhibiting presently around the city of Los Angeles and Inglewood, he exhibits nationally and internationally.
In his retirement Sidney volunteers as an art instructor with youth here in Los Angeles at various youth centers and schools. Even now as a US veteran he works closely with other veteran artists weekly for creative expression and comradery. His watercolor collection exhibited with the Inglewood Open Studies in Inglewood California, 2017. Additional watercolor paintings of Sidney’s are on permanent display at the Baldwin Hills Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Southern California.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My exhibiting work involves my experimentation with abstract shapes, angles and forms. I capture with my brush light against dark in these oil paintings. I also work in natural forms. While I am an intuitive artist my paintings reveal my emotions, depicting depth, movement in light and shadow because for me color drives my work. I use color to translate my feelings. I am inspired by brightness and joyful expressions in my art which bring the same qualities to my life.
Artist In Residence
Sandra Zebi
BIOGRAPHY
Sandra Zebi, from Sao Paulo Brazil, received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Industrial Design. She originally started Zebi Designs as a functional ceramic line twenty years ago, showing her work in different US cities and abroad. In addition to ceramics, Zebi has done public sculptures and murals. Showing her Brazilian influence in many of her designs, she has spread Brazilian culture throughout the art community.
Her work commonly expresses harmony of colors, simplicity and minimalism with a sense of humor. Her art is always cheerful and graceful, conveying positive messages.
She says, "Living ideas and ideas make me live."
ARTIST STATEMENT
The essence of my art is Brazilian with an American and European influence. It is my way of expressing myself transporting my ideas to turn them into real life using simple lines and shapes, mixed with bright colors. The motto I live by is "Less is more".
Besides the love for art, I also love people and diversity, that's the reason that I am in Los Angeles. The mix of people of different ethnicities and different backgrounds, and how they live and share the same space and exchange culture with each other is really impressive to me. The cultural exchange really fascinates me and is an inspiration for many of my designs.