March, 2025. Los Angeles. ALARALACMA. A preview of a Alara’s upcoming residency at Lacma. An ongoing conversation between two institutions, each reflecting on their past and envisioning their future. Together, they explore the essence of being a cultural institution today.
Inspired by Simone Leigh. Tones of earth. Through-lines of women’s work, visible and invisible. Her exhibition at LACMA consolidated works in ceramic, bronze, video, and installation.
Exhibition: Simone Leigh Dates: May 26, 2024–January 20, 2025 Location: LACMA, Resnick Pavilion CAAM, Gallery 1 & Theater Gallery
Commissioned work by textile artist, Eniola Dawodu. Loom woven cloak constructed from vintage Aso-Oke strips. A part of a larger sculptural practice that privileges past-worn attires as reassembled artefacts of Yoruba women’s rituals of celebration. A sort of passing down of tradition.
“The home is not just a physical structure but also a social and spiritual center where various aspects of life converge.”
- SL
To create each cloak, the aso-oke cloth is carefully disassembled and gathered in a fabrication reminiscent of traditional motifs wefted into and over the surface of each strip of cloth. Hand-Made between Senegal and Nigeria, each cloak is fully lined and elegantly finished with hausa style ise-owo hand-embroidery at the neckline, around the armholes, down the sides and atop the two front pockets
“A primary cause of many women’s decision to enter public economy, rather than simply staying at home and raising food directly, was the need or desire for items they could not produce themselves.” This category of things that was once taken so for granted is now a category of collectable design and art objects. Homeware has come full circle as a category of aspirational and inspirational creations.
The “For you” tray, designed by Alara. An ode to self care in the form of a one-person tray.
Warmly,
Us