Dismantle, 2020

Archival Ink Pigment, Acrylic on Canvas

Beam, 2020

Archival Ink Pigment, Acrylic on Canvas

Ladies Room, 2020

Archival Ink Pigment, Acrylic on Canvas

SAFE SPACE

GR Gallery, New York

18 February - March 12, 2021

Safe Space marks the return of the Nigeria-based, international artist to New York with an exhibition assembled exclusively for GR Gallery. The works in this exhibition take the concept of a safe space as their point of departure, defined by Osadebe as a place to experiment, be yourself, reflect, enjoy, and dream, the works consider the spaces potential dimensions, the narratives that contain it and the theatre or spectacle that unfolds around it.
In uncovering the framework of what we can consider a safe space to be, the works explore the duality between the physical and psychological roles that forge the foundations for locations of refuge and comfort, rather than solely focusing on a specific place. With the idea in mind that the creation of a safe space could be as simple as a group of people with shared ideas coming together. This is amplified by references to paintings by both Old and Contemporary Masters, key influences in Osadebe's practice, shown through the artists characters performing both mundane and sometimes charged actions.

Osadebe is recognised for his repeated exploitation of subconscious imagery and elusive symbolism and pays concentrated attention to a specific object in this series, the book. Sighting books as a teleport into unique worlds of imagination, and feeders of information for us to utilise in the fruition of our own safe spaces.

This body of works draws out a neoteric consideration towards a place where anyone can fully self-express, rid of any feelings of discomfort or unwelcoming, and asks the viewer to imagine what their safe space could look like, or be.