“Aliens” – An Exploration of Diversity and the Human Experience

Last week, Kreol Magazine had the distinct pleasure of attending the private view of “Aliens,” an exhibition that’s more than meets the eye. FprBuro Communications Agency organised the event in collaboration with Zari Gallery, and it was nothing short of a transcendental experience.

At its core, the “Aliens” exhibition celebrates diversity and inclusion. The premise rests on the idea that extra-terrestrial beings, or “aliens,” are without gender or colour, challenging our existing notions and pushing boundaries beyond human biases. As with most things that speak of diversity, it was a success not just in its execution but in its message.

For the uninitiated, Olga Lomaka is the prodigious mind behind the “Aliens.” She’s a British contemporary artist with an impressive academic portfolio. Having studied at Loyola University (Chicago), Central Saint Martins (London), and Camberwell College of Arts, her works are a testament to her proficiency and unparalleled talent.

The “Aliens” exhibition (11-15th October 2023) comprises over thirty one-of-a-kind sculptural works. They delve deep into the “alien” psyche, probing into themes ranging from consumerism to collective unconsciousness, all seen through the lens of popular culture.

Lomaka’s portrayal of aliens is notably different. Instead of painting them as the mysterious ‘others,’ she draws parallels between them and the gamut of human experiences. Two states dominate her creations: the intense act of screaming and the peaceful act of meditation. This duality beautifully captures the dichotomies of modern society – our manic desires and the peace we find in introspection.

The exhibition thrived on two primary juxtapositions. Initially, the enigmatic realm of aliens was set against the familiar territory of human desires. The second juxtaposition masterfully contrasted the sculptures’ postures: the scream, symbolic of the tumultuous anxieties of our modern age, and meditation, representing our deep-seated yearnings for tranquillity and understanding.

In retrospect, Olga Lomaka’s “Aliens” was not merely an art exhibition. It served as a mirror to contemporary society, encapsulating the very essence of human desires and the external facets that mould them. Having coincided with the renowned Frieze London Art Fair 2023, this exhibition was undeniably a highlight of the art season.

Below is the selection of images from the Private View held on the 10th of October 2023.