Masked Realities Exhibition: “There’s Nothing in the World like the Love of a Mother”

Gallery Address: PLAYROOM Gallery (4–9 pm) | 93 Junction Rd, Archway, London N19 5QX

Date: January 20, 2025 – January 27, 2025

Artist: Michael Oyinbokure

Mike Kure’s artistry invites viewers on a journey through untold stories that resonate deeply. His latest exhibition, “Masked Realities: Journeys and Portraits of Adaptation,” explores themes of resilience, identity, and the sacrifices made by Nigerian immigrant women. Originally titled “Orisha Bi Iya: There Is No Idol Like A Mother,” this thought-provoking exhibition held at The Playground in Archway on January 20, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event features rising talents Mike Kure and Sinatra Zantout, alongside sculptor KENIYE. Together, they celebrate motherhood, cultural endurance, and the rich exchanges that shape immigrant experiences, particularly within Peckham’s Nigerian community.

For Kure, art is far more than self-expression. It is, in his words, a “vehicle for truth,” a medium for building bridges between cultures. “My art is about telling stories—stories that often go unnoticed, yet hold so much power.” His work is deeply personal yet universal, reflecting his life experiences and the voices of those often overlooked. In “Masked Reality,” he turns his focus to the lives of Nigerian women—their quiet sacrifices, perseverance, and the balance they maintain between preserving tradition and embracing change, telling deeply personal stories that celebrate the strength of Nigerian women and their contributions to society.

“When you see someone’s story reflected in a painting or a sculpture, it’s harder to dismiss their humanity. Through this exhibition, I want these women to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

Kure’s process is as intricate as the themes he explores. He immerses himself in the narratives he wishes to portray, trusting his intuition to guide each piece to its natural conclusion. “Every piece I create has its own rhythm. I let it unfold as it wants to, because the stories I tell are alive.” This intuitive process allows him to navigate layers of identity, tradition, and modernity. His art bridges Nigerian heritage with the diversity of British society, creating a dialogue between histories and cultures. “I want my work to feel like a conversation—between me and the viewer, and between the past and the present,” he adds.

This duality is captured in his depictions of Nigerian immigrant women in Peckham. “Peckham, to me, is like a place of strength, it is a symbol of the immigrant experience, a place where the sacrifices and triumphs of Nigerian women shine brightly, and these women’s stories are woven into every corner, as they are the backbone of their families and communities, carrying the weight of their responsibilities with resilience and grace.”

At the heart of this exhibition “Masked Reality” also lies Kure’s admiration for the sacredness of motherhood, especially immigrant mothers who endure the challenges of leaving behind familiar lives to create opportunities for their children. “There’s nothing in the world like the love of a mother. It’s fierce, selfless, and unbreakable, The phrase ‘No deity like a mother’ resonates so strongly with me because it captures the essence of everything I’ve seen and experienced.”

These themes of resilience extend beyond individual stories of motherhood to the broader immigrant journey—a recurring angle in Kure’s art.

“Immigrants carry so much hope on their shoulders, They step into new worlds, sometimes with nothing but dreams and determination. That courage inspires me every single day.”

Kure’s artistry has not gone unnoticed. One of his pieces from “Masked Reality” has been recognised as a finalist for the prestigious Emerging Art of Dubel Prize. “Being recognised is humbling, but it’s not the awards that matter most to me, What drives me is knowing that my work resonates with people, that it makes them feel something.”

For Mike Kure, success isn’t measured by accolades or financial gain but by the impact his work has on people. “If my art starts a conversation, if it makes someone pause and reflect—that’s success to me, which is why my next project will be Through the Eyes of a Black Explorer and will focus on what it means for a Black artist to journey and explore the world in ways that challenge conventional narratives. I want to tell stories that go beyond the typical portrayal of Black individuals as victims or outsiders.”

“Masked Reality” invites viewers into a shared story of resilience, sacrifice, and connection, reminding us of the purpose of art to inspire change, challenge perceptions, and celebrate the beauty of human strength. “Art is a mirror,” Kure says. “It shows us who we are, where we’ve been, and where we can go.”

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Find out more on the Masked Realities Exhibition

Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo