Motunrayo Akinola: Knees Kiss Ground

8 MAR - 9 JUN 2024

The South London Gallery’s 13th Postgraduate Artist in Residence, Motunrayo Akinola, presents Knees Kiss Ground, an exhibition exploring faith and belonging through everyday objects.  

The show features new work made during Akinola’s six-month residency. He draws upon his architectural background to examine ideas around space, comfort, nostalgia,  ownership and post-colonial power dynamics. 

Through installation, light and sculpture, he explores how different materials can trigger emotions and memories. Visitors can enter an immersive installation constructed entirely from corrugated cardboard to replicate the exact dimensions of a shipping container.  

Symbols and materials drawn from the Old Testament such as the hyssop plant, help to understand the work, as we try to make sense of surroundings and the cultural gaps in our knowledge. 

The artist will present a new participatory performance on 31 May. 

Want to find out more about what inspired Akinola? He talked to us about what he’s been reading and listening to in the studio. Have a read over on the SLG Journal.

The exhibition will tour to Bonington Gallery, Nottingham in January 2025.

About Motunrayo Akinola

Motunrayo Akinola is a London-based artist who uses images of the home and everyday materials to explore comfort and belonging. He creates sculptures, installations, sound and drawings. He studied at RA Schools, graduating in 2023. As a British-born Nigerian who has spent time in and now feels comfortable in both countries, Akinola’s work exposes the nuanced differences between the two places.

Access

• There is no seating in the gallery. Speak to a member of staff if you require a seat.
• Seating, ear defenders, ear plugs, magnifying glasses and torches are available upon request
• Gallery 4 is on the second floor of the Fire Station. There are stairs and lift to access this gallery.
• Gallery 4 has low lighting and a confined space.
• Visitors may have to duck to enter parts of this installation
• The floor is made from cardboard and will become marked over the course of the exhibition
• Please contact mail@southlondongallery.org with any questions or additional access requirements.
• Large print guides are available
• Please do not touch the artwork

For more information on access at the SLG please read here.