Navigating the magical waters of Black history in Brixton library

art work

A new exhibition to coincide with Black History Month opens in Brixton library on Tuesday (4 October).

Olayanju Dada’s Omi Dúdú – Black Water is billed as an exhibition to stimulate the eyes through the mind.

History, like black water – omi dúdú – in Yoruba, is daunting to navigate, says Olayanju Dada.

“We need storytellers and, to a greater extent, poets who can visualise for and show us what lies beneath its still and dark surface.

“Also, mystics and sages, who can conjure up paths that lead us deep down, into our unlived futures.

“And new, iridescent masquerades who can show and teach us the sacred, fiery footwork, movement and language necessary to navigate this virgin mindscape.

“Black history is magical waters.”

Olayanju Dada, who now lives and works in Germany, was born in Nigeria and is a practising studio artist.

He holds a bachelor of art degree from Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria and a master’s degree in contemporary fine art practice from Leeds Beckett University. 

Entry to his Brixton exhibition is free and Brixton library is open every day. The show runs until 31 October.

modern art
Police Dog

Brixton library: Monday: 1–8pm | Tuesday: 10am-8pm | Wednesday 10am-6pm | Thursday 10am-8pm | Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday: 9am–5pm | Sunday: 12-5pm