you are so loved and lovely
September 8–October 12, 2019
Wura: If we are making the same drawing over and over again and
always throughout our lifetime, how would you describe it?
Me: two separate/separated things connecting over an expanse
ruby: A calculated (or mathematical?) and spontaneous arrangement
of space towards some sort of dance or poem.
Fridman Gallery is honored to present you are so loved and lovely, an exhibition of works in dialogue by ruby onyinyechi amanze and Wura-Natasha Ogunji. The exhibition features new large-scale drawings, paintings, and a selection of small works created early in their careers.
Since meeting in 2012 in Nigeria, amanze and Ogunji have engaged in an ongoing exchange of writings, performances, conversations, and shows in shared spaces. In addition to artworks, you are so loved and lovely includes excerpts from Drawing Memoir, a collection of written correspondences that chronicle the questions, quandaries, experiments, and discoveries made in the artists’ studios and beyond.
The exhibition will be accompanied by an illustrated catalogue with an essay by Emmanuel Iduma.
ruby onyinyechi amanze creates drawings on paper. Using a non-linear narrative, she explores architecture, dance (such as the movement language of Gaga), play, and design. amanze has exhibited at The Jewish Museum, Queens Museum, Smack Mellon, The Drawing Center, Studio Museum in Harlem, and CCA Lagos. She earned a BFA from Tyler School of Art and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 2012–13, amanze was the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship in Drawing to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Born in Port-Harcourt, amanze lives and works between New York and Philadelphia.
Wura-Natasha Ogunji works in drawing, video and performance. Her hand-stitched drawings on architectural tracing paper are inspired by daily interactions in Lagos, Nigeria. Her performances explore the presence of women in public spaces, labor, leisure, freedom and frivolity. Ogunji received a Guggenheim Fellowship, co-curated the 2018 São Paulo Biennial, and exhibited at Palais de Tokyo, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Museum, Seattle Art Museum, CCA Lagos, and The Menil Collection. She holds a BA in anthropology from Stanford University and an MFA from San Jose State University. Born in St. Louis, Ogunji lives and works in Lagos.
Founded in 2013, Fridman Gallery represents contemporary artists from around the world, featuring avant-garde exhibitions and performances in a variety of media, including visual and sound art.
Please direct inquiries to info [at] fridmangallery.com.
