In the lobby of The Mandrake Hotel, two globe sculptures were showcased for guests to admire as they entered, setting the tone for the evening ahead. These globes are part of a larger exhibition facilitated by The World Reimagined who commissioned a roster of emerging artists. Two of these artists; Alvin Kofi and Joshua Donkor are being supported by Project Aikido, with the platform raising money to take the globes to Burning Man festival this August, generating global awareness of their artistic talent.
Inside Project Aikido At The Mandrake Hotel
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
On Friday evening, The Sybarite team had the privilege of attending Project Aikidos remarkable fundraising gala at The Mandrake Hotel, London, with a group of art-loving clients. The evening aimed to generate awareness for a noble cause, raise funds, and collectively celebrate the power of art and music through showcasing the talents of under-represented black artists.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a variety of artistic talents, ranging from awe-inspiring sculptures by Joshua Donkor and Alvin Kofi, to vibrant sets by world-renowned DJs such as Salomé le Chat and Rockin Marroccin. Over dinner, guests were accompanied by the soulful voice of South Africa's artist of the year, Msaki, whose beautiful performance brought everybody to their feet. The founder of Project Aikido, Nana Sao, also took to the stage to deliver a poignant insight into the foundation's core mission: empowering artists to share their stories authentically while ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.
Alvin Kofi is a second-generation West Indian artist whose African-centred creative perspective allows him to explore traditional notions of African culture and the historical narrative of the diaspora. For his globe, Kofi was commissioned to interpret the theme 'A Complex Triangle', delving into the triangular flow of goods and enslaved labour among Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The globe's colours are symbolic : gold represents the allure of wealth and the thirst for riches, while overlapping symbols and motifs mirror Africa's tradition of documenting historical shifts.
Joshua Donkoris is a Ghanaian-British painter whose work uses portraiture as a tool to subvert monolithic portrayals of Black identity. The subject matter of Donkor’s paintings is deeply personal and completely idiosyncratic—often having to deal with specific African roots and the individual experiences specific people have had growing up Black in Western societies. Titled "Echoes in the Present," Donkor’s globe explores the Welsh African communities' identities, exploring the concept of double consciousness and the split experienced as minorities in prejudiced societies. The artist wanted to create a piece focusing on the present day experiences of members of the African diaspora in Wales. The globe features image transfers from cityscapes, family members, and memories spanning generations.
As the music continued through the night, guests connected over their shared appreciation for the showcased art and the collaboration of Project Aikido and The Art Club by The Sybarite. It was a testament to the power of art and music to bring people together in support of a common cause. The media partnership forged between The Sybarite and Project Aikido serves as a commitment to amplifying the voices of the emerging artists spotlighted by the platform. Looking ahead, we encourage you to keep an eye out for upcoming interviews with Joshua Donkor and other talented artists supported by Project Aikido.
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
Breaking Down Some Of The Best Works At Frieze 2024
This year's iteration was a bold and diverse display of skill and opinion.
-
17 Best London Exhibitions: Art To See In 2024
As London’s vibrant art scene continues to evolve, 2024 promises an array of captivating exhibitions in London that can fascinate art enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
-
Reframing The Art World With Jay Rutland
Jay Rutland, Maddox Gallery’s Creative Director, has showcased emerging artistic talent alongside blue-chip investment artwork since the gallery’s inception. here, he discusses his passion for collecting, and what lies at the heart of Maddox.
-
Venice Biennale 2024: The Lowdown
As the 60th International Art Exhibition opens in the famed Italian city this weekend. We discuss the theme of this year's show and the names to know.
-
Nine Things To Do In London This Easter
Easter in London is not just about chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny. Its a time when the city bursts into the vibrant colors of spring and offers a basketful of activities for everyone.
-
Inside The Glitzy Allure Of The Oscars 2024
Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, The Oscars (also known as the 9th Academy Awards), will be taking place, honouring a historic year of cinema.