Painting war at Alexis Galleries as two artists rival in The Uprising

Once again, Alexis Galleries, a contemporary art promotion and artists support firm, has kicked off the year with its first exhibition.

Titled ‘The Uprising’, an exhibition of painting, it will feature two emerging artists; Blaise Vernyuy, from Limbe, Cameroon

and King Ereso, from Lagos, Nigeria.

The duo painters are setting up a painting war at Alexis Galleries from Saturday February 11-25, 2023.

The artists are presenting six carefully selected works each, offering viewers 12 masterpieces in all.

While Blaise’s works examine themes on climate change and global warming, environment, sociopolitical themes, economy, race, migration and refugee crises, gender, religion, war, terrorism, commentary on current events and more, Ereso’s works capture the beauty in physical expression, self-realization, emotions, fashion and his journey to self-discovery.

Speaking at a media parley heralding the exhibition at the gallery on Thursday, Ereos noted that he would be presenting works from his R.E.D (Realizing Every Dream) series, which is focused on different moments of his personal experiences.

Explaining some of his works, dotted more with red background, Ereso said he is in love with the colour red, and in the exhibition, red does not really signify danger but resilience, hope, strength and self-awareness.

“My works reflect my inner person and thoughts. If you look at the painting there (pointing at one of the R.E.D series) you will see that the guy is wearing a very long and stylish hair style. That is how I see myself spiritually, but I cannot wear that physically,” Ereso said.

Ereso, who earned Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noted that he has upped his game and that reflects in the quality of works in the exhibition.

Blaise, who joined the media parley virtually from Limbe base in Cameroon, expressed his excitement at showing his works in Nigeria and particularly partnering with Alexi Galleries, whose founder, Patty, he described as supporter of African artists and art.

Blaise, who has been using his art for advocacy, is furthering that noble cause by showcasing works that support actions on saving the climate, questioning global policies on climate change and having a good relationship with the environment.

“We should make the environment livable by stopping actions that negatively impact it, by stopping funding of fossil fuel and going green. My work lays emphasis on all these important issues because it affects the globe and affects all of us in the long run,” the Visual Arts /Arts History graduate said.