Arts

Jacqueline Suowari Unveils NEW Solo Exhibition in London: “Adorn” Which Celebrates Fashion as a Cultural Bridge

Acclaimed Nigerian artist Jacqueline Suowari debuts her new solo exhibition in London, titled Adorn, a captivating showcase of eight large-scale figurative paintings that explore fashion as a powerful means of cultural expression and communication.

Presented at the London Lighthouse Gallery & Studio (London City Island, E14) to celebrate Black History Month (1 October – 31 October), her Adorn exhibition marks a significant moment in Suowari’s career, bringing her intricate ballpoint pen portraits and mixed media works to a new audience in the Capital.

Each piece in Adorn embodies Suowari’sdedication to her craft, where every stroke of her ballpoint pen meticulously contributes to realistic, emotionally charged portraits.

The artist’s unique approach, which combines ballpoint pen with paint, fabric, and other materials, results in textured compositions that are visually stunning and rich in cultural symbolism. Suowari’s use of the ballpoint pen, a medium known for its permanence, reflects her exceptional technical skill and the confidence in her artistry.

In Adorn, Suowari uses fashion as a lens to examine the intersections of identity, culture, and globalism. The exhibition is a vibrant dialogue between Nigerian heritage and European haute couture, where traditional motifs, hairstyles, and fabrics from Nigeria are seamlessly integrated with elements of Parisian fashion. This blend of influences highlights the beauty and diversity of the African diaspora, particularly the richness of modern-day Nigerian culture.

Notable works in the exhibition include Memoirs from Kelechi’s Ball 1 and 2, where modern, fashionable women gaze confidently at the viewer, adorned in attire that pays homage to both their Nigerian roots and their blackness, while also incorporating elements of European style. In Only TheBrave, a young couple is depicted in a striking mix of Nigerian and Parisian fashion, symbolizing the union of cultures.

Through these works, Suowari emphasises the role of fashion as a universal language that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and empathy across borders. By merging the everyday act of dressing with deeper cultural meanings, she invites viewers to appreciate the interconnectedness of global identities and the shared humanity that binds us all.

In her own words, Suowari explains, “I have found that empathy creates more room for understanding, and where there is understanding, there is acceptance.” Adorn is not only a celebration of aesthetic beauty but also a call to embrace cross-cultural appreciation in even the smallest aspects of our daily lives.

London Lighthouse Gallery & Studio 
18 Lyell Street
London City Island
E14 0SZ

londonlighthousestudio.com