Embracing Real Connections – A Review of Nice To Finally Meet You at Good Mother Gallery
In a world where online interactions often replace face-to-face encounters, Nice To Finally Meet You, curated by Ade Ogunmowo, serves as a refreshing reminder of the irreplaceable magic of meeting in person. On view at Good Mother Gallery in Los Angeles, this vibrant group exhibition brings together the works of over 25 contemporary artists who have transitioned from digital acquaintances to real-life collaborators.
Curator Ade Ogunmowo, also known as Polo Cutty, presents this show as a celebration of the moments when virtual connections became tangible friendships. Each piece in the exhibition represents an artist Ogunmowo met during his travels, making the show not just an exploration of art but also a deeply personal documentation of human connection.
Okey Ofomata (Left) Corner, 2024 Acryllic, oil on canvas 36 x 36 inch (Right) Dummy 30 x 40 in
The Experience of the Exhibition
Walking into the gallery feels like stepping into a world of contrasts—playful, haunting, chaotic, and serene all at once. The artworks range widely in medium, style, and tone, reflecting the diversity of contemporary art practices. Yet they share a common thread: stories of how genuine connections between artists can lead to something extraordinary.
Mikey Coleman “Officer Big Mac n the Chilren” 36” X 36” Oil on Canvas
One standout piece is a surreal painting of children trapped inside a hamburger-shaped cage. Its blend of humor and unease evokes questions about consumerism, innocence, and entrapment, while its vivid execution captures your attention from across the room.
Nearby, a series of hanging sculptural masks adds a visceral, haunting presence to the exhibition. Their fragmented, grotesque forms seem to float in space, inviting introspection on identity and perception.
Artist: Mariano Meneses
Other works, like the black panther juxtaposed with bold splashes of paint, convey a sense of chaos and power, while softer pieces—such as a painting of a starry-eyed face—offer moments of introspection and calm.
Artist: Travis Spinks
What Works Well
Timely: In the digital age, where so many connections are forged through screens, the exhibition’s focus on face-to-face encounters feels particularly poignant. It’s a theme that resonates universally, even as it highlights Ogunmowo's personal journey.
Diverse Voices: The show features various styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to mixed media. This variety keeps the exhibition dynamic and engaging, ensuring something for everyone.
Relatable: Many of us have experienced the concept of moving from virtual to real-world relationships. By tying this universal theme to the artistic process, the show creates a meaningful dialogue between art and the audience.
Room for Growth
While the exhibition offers many strengths, there are areas where it could be even stronger:
Cohesion: While individually compelling, some of the works feel slightly disconnected from the central theme. A stronger narrative linking each piece to the idea of transitioning from digital to physical interaction could enhance the overall impact.
Contextual Depth: Providing more insight into Ogunmowo’s personal encounters with the artists and additional context for the works would enrich the viewing experience and deepen audience engagement.
Why You Should Visit
Nice To Finally Meet You is a testament to the power of art to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. It celebrates creativity, human connection, and how real-life encounters can shape our artistic narratives. Ogunmowo’s curation brings together an eclectic mix of artists and styles, resulting in a show that is both thought-provoking and visually captivating.
If you’re in Los Angeles, this exhibition is not to be missed. It’s a timely exploration of how genuine relationships continue to thrive in an increasingly virtual world—and a reminder that sometimes, the best art is born out of the simple act of saying, “Nice to finally meet you.”
Details
On View: November 23 – December 21, 2024
Location: Good Mother Gallery, 5103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
Gallery Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 11 AM–5 PM
Opening Reception: November 23, 6–8 PM
Make sure to stop by before the holidays and immerse yourself in this celebration of art and connection.