KINGSLEY SEDEM DZADE FEATURED IN ‘BE MY GUEST’, A GROUP SHOW BY 70 SQUARE METRES.
Worldfaze Art Practice artist, Kingsley Sedem Dzade has been featured in a group exhibition hosted by 70 Square Metres in Shanghai, China.
This comes after his completion of a residency program at Worldfaze Art Practice. The four selected works showing at 70 Square Metres gallery include ‘Can’t Wait- 2024’, ‘One Man no Chop- 2024’, ‘Favourite Dish I- 2024’, and ‘Self Treat- 2023’.
Be My Guest. a group exhibition featuring four artists from Africa: Cornelius Annor (b. 1990, Ghana), Kingsley Dzade (b. 1989, Ghana), Wilfried Mbida (b. 1990, Cameroon), and Sphephelo Mnguni (b. 1990, South Africa), who share their stories of their identities, communities, and heritage. Their figurative works have themes that revolve around and celebrate societal and cultural situations that shape perceptions about living, including highlighting the dynamics of modernity and adaptability to the changes it ushers.
Set in his native Ghana, Kingsley Dzade’s paintings highlight his favourite dishes, employing food, central to the survival of humanity, to weave a compelling narrative of national identity, communal bonding, and cultural exchange. Commensality—the act of eating together—becomes a perspective of evaluating how food engages cultures and encourages viewers to reflect on the complex ways in which eating habits are tied to identity. In One Man No Chop, which refers to the Ghanaian phrase emphasising the importance of sharing and togetherness, Dzade appraises the integral role of food and commensality in building relationships at social gatherings such as weddings and funerals.
Consumerism, global influence, and layers of health issues are suggested in Self-Treat where an overweight African lady at a table consumes several pastries and junk food including pizza, a couple bottles of Coke, a container of ice cream, and doughnuts. It is understandable how she has gotten bloated and is at risk for a diabetic episode. In Favourite Dish I, a female subject drinks water from a nylon wrap, while carrying a plate of what appears to be a favourite traditional meal. Urbanisation has brought about on-the-go fast food packaged in disposable materials hazardous to the environment. This development is prevalent not only in Ghana but also in Nigeria amongst other West African countries. Conversely, we see a restoration of healthy eating and living in the organic setting of Can’t Wait, where natural vegetables are served in a bowl and consumed alongside a wholesome meal. A dog at the table side provides company that hints at collectiveness and sharing.
The exhibition is slated for 19 April–23 May, 2025 (Viewing by appointment only)
Venue 70 Square Metres, G/F, 41 Hengshan Road, Shanghai, China.
About 70 Square Metres
70 Square Metres is a new gallery space in Shanghai by gallerist Pearl Lam that houses artist residency programmes and provides an opportunity for emerging non-residency artists to exhibit their work. Located in the historic former French Concession, the new space represents Lam’s ongoing dedication to nurturing creativity and promoting underrepresented voices while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. The residency programme underscores the gallerist’s ongoing commitment to strengthening connections between the East and West, as well as other areas of the world such as Africa. Lam believes that art transcends borders with its power to communicate with people of all cultures and nations.
Pearl Lam, Founder of 70 Square Metres, says, “By welcoming artists from various countries, disciplines, and stages in their careers, we create a vibrant environment where ideas and different perspectives flourish. This initiative not only enriches our community but also contributes to the broader cultural landscape. We provide residents with the time, space, and resources they need to dive deeply into their work, explore new mediums, and create innovative and expressive works.”