Alimi Adewale was born on 8 May, 1974 in Lagos, Nigeria. Although he studied mechanical engineering, he developed an interest in art by going to exhibitions. He furthered his extensive knowledge of art after graduating by attending various art workshops around the world. Adewale uses the mediums of painting, sculpture and installation to explore urban issues and the lives of everyday people in cities. Some of his work examines the impact of excessive urbanisation, rapid modern development, and the growing global economy on society. His practice combines elements of minimalism and abstraction to evoke the dynamism and intensity of the cosmopolitan environment. Most of his work has a profusion of rich textures and oftentimes an uncommon sculptural finish, whether utilising photography and oil paint (Owambe, 2015) or thick lumps of oil mediums (House of Assembly, 2013). The artist mines the endless possibilities of a particular material to introduce an additional dimension into the work: that of time. Imbued with their own mortality, his sculptures cultivate the experiential function of art compared to traditional African sculptures, creating an oeuvre that is distinctly current and as witty as it is macabre.

Pearl Lam is a driving force within Asia’s contemporary art scene. Founded in 2005, the gallery plays a vital role in stimulating international dialogue and cross-cultural exchange between the East and West. Following a rigorous programme, Pearl Lam presents museum-quality exhibitions that re-evaluate and challenge perceptions of cultural practice in Asia. With a thoughtfully balanced roster of Chinese and international artists, the gallery is strategic in its curation, positioning itself as an educator. The gallery maintains spaces in Hong Kong and Shanghai. With a team of international staff, Pearl Lam’s reach is global, having presentations at major international art fairs including Art Cologne, Art Basel Hong Kong, Frieze Masters, and West Bund Art and Design.