Also on view is series of smaller, brightly painted and fashionably dressed figures carved in wood. These reference the South African subculture of skhothane, a type of flex culture in which individuals and groups compete against each other in front of a crowd to determine which party is wealthier. These battles usually culminate in a ritualized destruction of expensive items and clothing, as an ostentatious display of wealth. Awofeso encountered the practice when he was traveling in South Africa.
Based in: Birmingham, U.K.
Showing at: Ed Cross (London)
Why you should pay attention: Awofeso had a solo exhibition at Birmingham’s IKON gallery last year. This is his first presentation with Ed Cross, which started representing him last November. Towards the beginning of day two they had sold four works by the artist.
Prices: The larger wooden portraits were priced at £6,000–£8,000 ($7,231–$9,641); smaller figures were £2,000 ($2,410).
Up next: Awofeso will be included in an upcoming group show at South London Gallery slated to open in July."
