The Complex presents an exhibition of newly commissioned work by Osaro Azams

In The Gallery, 21 Arran Street East, Dublin 7, D07YY97

Preview: 29 November 6.00pm - 8pm / ticketed performance 6.00 - 6.30pm

Exhibition Run: 30 November - 05 December

Gallery Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 12pm - 5pm

I became aware of Osaro’s work when she presented a film at The Complex Gallery, created as a result of receiving the GAZE International Film Festival and The Dark Room Residency Award (2023). During the residency, Osaro produced a short Super 8 film titled Suns. This was her first venture into black-and-white videography and her first time using a Super 8 camera. The film was playful and energetic — simple but intentionally so, with a resourceful constraint often exercised when experimenting with a new medium. Though light in composition, it was far reaching emotionally. The film was shot in Phoenix Park, capturing images of thinly shrouded performers moving gracefully and rhythmically, their extended limbs extending shrouds through the air. It was a sunny day, with a herd of deer watching from a nearby grove of trees. Otherwise, the setting was isolated. Suns was screened to a small audience. The screening of the film was intensified by Osaro’s vocal performance accompanied by a kalimba melody that she played. Her voice, ranging from tenor to bass, filled The Gallery with raw, emotive resonance as she performed her original song, Ye Ye Omo Eja—"Mother Whose Children Are Fish" in Yoruba.

The Complex has commissioned Osaro to create another Super 8 short film, THINGS ARE TOUGH – THINGS ARE GLORIOUS, as a continuation of Suns. Shot over one day in London, the film captures a visit that Osaro made to her immediate family, who emigrated from Ireland, her parents had initially moved to Ireland from Nigeria. Although Osaro's family is a short distance away geographically, the film carries a sense of reconnection with the present while referencing the past – scenes shift from Osaro’s parents and siblings filmed in real time to close-ups of old photos of extended family members, held in the frame until they blur out. Osaro’s unfamiliarity with the Super 8 medium gives her freedom to use the camera in a way that's unbound to tradition.

THINGS ARE TOUGH – THINGS ARE GLORIOUS will be screened at The Complex with live opening and closing performances. To accompany her short film on the opening reception Osaro will perform a live score in collaboration with musicians Eftychia Spyridaki, Farah Elle and the spoken word artist, Lamhaoise. Caoimhe Lavelle will create live drawings alongside the musical performances. At the closing reception Osaro will present an original music composition with the artist Aaliyah while the skin artist Vatican Jail will perform illustrations on bodies willing to participate.

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Osaro Azams is a multi-award-winning audio-visual artist with a fascination for West African mythos. Her recent work delves into the literal Black arts of lonesome prayers, sensual poetry and guttural vocal chords which she infuses in her live performances during the spring and hermit seasons. Founder of the Fried Plantains Collective , Osaro celebrates the melodious voices of African - Irish artists through her event 'Black Jam' which took place at Abbey Theatre, The Complex, Bello Bar and at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in France.

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Images courtesy Osaro Azams

Exhibition statement by Mark O’Gorman – Curator / Producer of Visual Arts at The Complex.

Proudly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Dublin City Council.