STANDING PINE x RETRO AFRICA ECHOES IN COLOUR, MAPPING THE INTIMATE Tokyo, Japan

Retro Africa Gallery is delighted to announce our collaboration with Standing Pine Gallery (Tokyo, Japan) in the upcoming group exhibition 'Echoes in Colour, Mapping the Intimate'. The exhibition opens on 20th September 2025 and brings together the works of Abdoulaye Konaté,Januario Jano, Tegene Kunbi, and Yusuff Aina, one of Retro Africa’s represented artists.

In 'Echoes in Colour, Mapping the Intimate', the personal becomes a universal language, and material becomes a vessel for memory, resistance, and reflection. Together, these four artists explore storytelling, cultural identity, emotional interiority, and historical memory through colour, form, and materiality.

Yusuff Aina (Nigeria)
Representing Nigeria, Yusuff Aina continues his evolving practice of blending acrylic, installation, and fantastical motifs to explore themes of alienation,trust, belonging, and resilience. Central to his work are the “ainasm” flowing,cord-like forms encircling “èníyàn”, a recurring figure symbolising unity and the endurance of humanity. Aina’s visual language is rooted in Yorùbá tradition, yet speaks to universal struggles and shared human experiences.

Abdoulaye Konaté (Mali)
Whose textile-based works transform cloth into narratives addressing sociopolitical and environmental concerns.

Januario Jano (Angola)
Whose multidisciplinary practice navigates body, memory, and transnational identity.

Tegene Kunbi (Ethiopia
Whose bold, geometric paintings layer colour and rhythm as meditations on heritage and contemporary life.

Together, they form a resonant chorus of voices each distinct, yet deeply connected mapping the intimate spaces where personalstories meet collective histories.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting international collaboration in Tokyo.

‍