In the midst of a thriving contemporary art scene in Lagos, exhibitions like Jessica Soares’ at Rele Gallery not only inspire but also motivate us to embrace our true selves, overcome adversity, and continue our journey of self-discovery.

Ireho Aito writes from Lagos

In the heart of Lagos, a city where stories intertwine, one tale emerges from the depths of personal transformation, encapsulating the essence of identity and resilience. This narrative, rooted in the vibrant spirit of Lagosians, takes us on a journey of self-discovery, told through the lens of a woman’s enduring battle against hair loss and her ultimate path to self-acceptance.

Our story begins with a childhood memory—a primary schoolmate crush whose life has since traversed the terrain of hair loss and thinning. She embarked on a quest to conceal the physical markers of her struggle by amassing wigs. Expensive and elaborate, these wigs became her armor, guarding the secret she carried within.

However, her journey took an unexpected turn. Tired of the ceaseless pursuit of disguises, she chose a different path—a path of authenticity and self-acceptance. With remarkable courage, she shed her wigs and decided to embrace her natural self. It was a moment of liberation, a declaration to the world that she refused to be defined by her physical appearance.

In her own words, she confessed, “Dear, I spent a fortune collecting hair wigs to mask my shame. But then it struck me—I needed to confront the reality of my hair loss. I needed to let my true self shine and find happiness in the process.”

This is a tale of empowerment—a reminder that beauty comes in myriad forms, and strength is born from embracing our authentic selves. It is a story that echoes everywhere.

Amidst the cacophony of life in this city, there lies an oasis for the art world—the Rele Gallery. Located in the heart of Ikoyi, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic British Council, this gallery stands as a bastion of contemporary art.

Rele Gallery, ever in tune with the pulse of the art scene, recently played host to Jessica Soares’ debut exhibition, “Who We Are When The Glory Is Gone.” This extraordinary showcase transported visitors into the realms of profound self-reflection and artistic expression.

Each meticulously displayed piece of art served as a portal into the intricate layers of human existence. As viewers gazed upon Jessica Soares’ masterpieces, they were prompted to reevaluate their own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. The attention to detail was impeccable, every brushstroke revealing the artist’s passionate engagement.

In the vibrant landscape of life, where the diverse narratives of individuals intertwine, art becomes a powerful medium for personal exploration and self-discovery. Jessica Soares’ exhibition was a poignant reminder of the profound impact art has on our lives. It is an invitation to accept and celebrate our unique identities, irrespective of the challenges life presents

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In conclusion, Jessica’s works at Rele Gallery illustrates the transformative power of embracing one’s true self and seeking happiness beyond societal expectations. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity, and the understanding that true beauty is found in authenticity.

Each painting is a portal into the multifaceted nature of life, challenging viewers to consider the complexities of their own existence from a fresh perspective. ‘Who We Are When The Glory Is Gone’ serves as a mirror, reflecting the realities of life and the need for self-acceptance, even in the face of adversity.

As you experience ‘Who We Are When The Glory Is Gone’ at Rele Gallery, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and transformation. This exhibition is more than a collection of paintings; it is a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience and the power of art to convey profound emotions and stories.

Jessica Soares’ body of work, consisting of new paintings, invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between self-presentation and the genuine self, the duality that exists in the world of appearances. It provides a profound examination of life without the symbolic ‘glory,’ the markers of identity that society often imposes.

While Soares’ work is deeply rooted in her personal experience with hair loss, it serves as a departure point for larger themes of perception, the value of material aesthetics, and the challenging endeavor of making peace with the ever-evolving sense of self. Belonging, an innate human desire, can often be obstructed by arbitrary markers, and Soares’ work provocatively demands that we not only see ourselves but allow others to be seen without the burden of conformity to these arbitrary standards.

Who We Are When The Glory Is Gone” becomes a navigational tool through the terrain of loss, a space for grieving and reconciliation with self in a world that frequently fails to accommodate those who deviate from its expectations.

Soares’ journey, both personal and artistic, serves as the foundation for this striking body of work. Her own experiences with alopecia, a condition characterized by hair thinning and hair loss, inspired the exhibition’s title, derived from the symbolism of a woman’s hair as her crowning glory. “Who We Are When The Glory Is Gone” is a visual exploration of the in-between, a representation of the dichotomy between how we present ourselves to the world and the reality that lies beneath, bereft of that symbolic glory.

Who We Are When The Glory is Gone opened at Rele Gallery, Ikoyi Lagos September 10, 2023. Who We Are When The Glory is Gone was curated by Wana Udobang

Words/Ireho Aito/Images/ Jessica Soares/ Rele Gallery Lagos.

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