A curation of artworks from AFTERMATH that capture the vibrant essence of Karalang, an artist molded by Gambian roots and Spanish upbringing.
At the heart of this universe is Karalang's self-inspired character, a vivid embodiment of his personal growth and the intricate spectrum of emotions stemming from life's challenges—navigating complex relationships, confronting the resonance of loss, and engaging in an unyielding quest for self-discovery.
“As an African and Gambian artist, I want to inspire more Africans to pursue art. Growing up in Spain you’d never hear about an African artist, let alone Gambian. I never even heard about a black artist until I got on the internet. Inspiring someone that looks like me is really important.”
“I really want to involve people into this world i’m building. I’m working on this project behind the scenes everyday.”
Karalang's "Draw my character" challenge
"Itan" translates to "story" or "history" in Yoruba. Yoruba people are one of the largest and most culturally significant ethnic groups in West Africa. Yoruba culture is known for its vibrant and expressive arts, including sculpture, textiles, music, dance, and storytelling. Yoruba art has a strong emphasis on symbolism and spirituality and has influenced the broader African art world. Itan Foundation World isn’t just about displaying art, but also about telling the stories and histories of West African artists, their cultures and their creative journeys. Each artwork is selected for its ability to evoke a sense of storytelling and exploration.