Berntson Bhattacharjee is pleased to present Islands of the Blessed, a solo exhibition of new works by Nigerian-British artist Sola Olulode.
Islands of the Blessed depicts an imaginary state of paradise where people are free to live and love without judgement, and acts as a homage to the historical significance of parks and gardens as safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ communities. The inspiration for this body of work was sparked by a trip to Barbados in 2021, a seven-week immersion in the island's rich culture. The daily swims, hikes and sunsets, as well as the freedom she felt throughout, left an indelible mark on Olulode. Subsequent visits across Caribbean islands deepened her fascination with the tropical landscapes, prompting a departure from her signature monochromatic palette to embrace a broader spectrum of colour in her painting. The works reflect the Caribbean’s rich and bold hues, drawing inspiration from the cerulean blues of the ocean, the lush greenery, and the sun-kissed oranges, purples, and pinks of the evening sky. Blended into the landscapes are other places of significance to Olulode, such as the Lekki Conservation Gardens in Lagos and lakes in Berlin.