Currents by Osi Audu

Osi Audu’s CURRENTS weaves vibrant yarn into textured canvases to explore the emotional and physical reactions of the body, evoking “aesthetic chills” @SundaramTagore until Oct 22.. Visit: https://www.sundaramtagore.com/exhibitions/osi-audu

Osi Audu, a Nigerian-American artist, explores the duality of form and emptiness. He uses materials like acrylic, graphite, pastel, yarn, and wool on canvas or paper. Through these mediums, he examines the relationship between the physical and the intangible. Audu draws inspiration from his Nigerian upbringing and Yoruba concepts of consciousness. Initially, he focused on geometric drawings and paintings. Over time, he began incorporating yarn into his work.

CURRENTS, Audu’s latest series, shown in London, marks a new direction. He now embraces a fully abstract approach. According to Audu, abstraction is a universal language, deeply rooted in African art.

For the Goosebumps series, Audu starts by applying gesso to canvas. Next, he threads strands of yarn to create bold columns of color. He stiffens the yarn so it protrudes, creating a striking effect. The sheen of the yarn reflects on the canvas, producing a glowing surface. Inspired by aṣọ òkè cloth, the repetitive pattern has a calming effect on viewers.

The three-dimensional aspect of the work draws people in. It evokes a visceral response, which Audu likens to a surge of electric energy. He believes art can tap into deep, joyful energy within the human mind.