Afro-Caribbean feminine culture

The Azawala Cafe Gallery at 55 Loughborough Road presents a debut exhibition by London-based Karen Alleyne, aka Oya Arts – The Deliverance of Womban: The sacred passage to self.

It will run from Saturday 9 November to Sunday 1 December and celebrates “the colourful undertones of Afro-Caribbean feminine culture” with acrylic paintings.

The Azawala Cafe Gallery has been a centre for West African and Caribbean culture in Brixton for three years and hosts a collection of African artefacts and a collection of art and crafts from UK-based artists – not always from a Black background.

Jos Brient, owner of the gallery, says that African lifestyle is increasingly popular, especially in the art world, and is featured in everyday living through fashion, home furnishings and food.

“As an African it is important to recognise our history and culture but also portray and elevate ourselves to be represented as occupants of the 21st century.”

Azawala Cafe Gallery, 55 Loughborough Road,SW9 7TB. Open Thursday to Saturday 11am to 6pm. 020 3583 6387 or 07805 132393. azawala20@ymail.com