TYNA ADEBOWALE

With a background in painting, Adebowale’s work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach and social engagement focused on politics, gender and social media in contemporary Nigerian society, using Nigeria to also mirror other societies with similar stories.
Her interests are centered on highlighting sub cultures that was existing before disruptions from foreign influencers. In the current day climate, these systems of existence are seen as taboo that is accompanied with shame and secrecy. As a result, in contemporary times, a subculture of otherness emerged, which has also been a source of inspiration for my artistic research. Especially when one takes into account that gender variance and gender fluidity has been intrinsic to the African cultural and spiritual history for centuries. It's only since colonialist disruptions that a systemic educational curriculum and religion have caused the emergence of non-acceptance and structured behaviors.
Tyna has exhibited her works in series of group exhibitions in international spaces as well as in Nigeria. Recent exhibitions include, Refresh Amsterdam 2020-2021 (Amsterdam Museum), The Future is Female (CODA Museum,Appeldorn) 2020, a solo booth at Art Rotterdam (2019), What if Women Rule The World? (Garage-Rotterdam 2019), 1-54 Art Fair (London 2019), She is the second recipient of the Jacqueline Van Tongeren Fellowship For African Artists (2017-2018), 3Package Deal Award (2019-2020) Recipient from the AFK, Amsterdam. In 2018, she completed her two-year Ai.residency at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam. She recently became a second-year artist in residency at the prestigious BlackRock Senegal, run by Kehinde Wiley.

Tyna Adebowale is an Amsterdam based Nigerian artist.

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