Toyin Ojih Odutola: A Countervailing Theory

While some museums remain shuttered due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Apollo’s usual weekly pick of exhibitions will include shows at institutions that are now reopening as well as digital projects providing virtual access to art and culture.

Spanning the Barbican’s Curve Gallery, this new series of large-scale drawings by the Nigerian-American artist Toyin Ojih Odutola tells the story of an imaginary ancient society ruled by women, set in a surreal landscape inspired by the ancient rock formations of the Jos Plateau in Nigeria. Commissioned by the Barbican, it is Ojih Odutola’s first museum show in the UK (11 August–24 January 2021). Find out more from the Barbican’s website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

1. Establishing the Plot from A Countervailing Theory (2019), Toyin Ojih Odutola. Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; © Toyin Ojih Odutola

4. Mating Ritual from A Countervailing Theory (2019), Toyin Ojih Odutola. Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; © Toyin Ojih Odutola

5. Courtship from A Countervailing Theory (2019), Toyin Ojih Odutola. Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; © Toyin Ojih Odutola

8. A Parting Gift; Hers and Hers Only from A Countervailing Theory (2019), Toyin Ojih Odutola. Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; © Toyin Ojih Odutola

13. The Ruling Class (Eshu) from A Countervailing Theory (2019), Toyin Ojih Odutola. Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; © Toyin Ojih Odutola