An exciting new exhibition by artist Temi Wynston Edun is set to launch on Saturday, January 17, at Gallery Blue Door in Baltimore. Titled “Within Reach of Silence,” this marks Edun’s debut solo exhibition in the United States, and it will be displayed until April 18, 2026.
The aim of Edun’s exhibition is to evoke moments of stillness and contemplation in a world that is often filled with chaos and distraction. “Within Reach of Silence” features 18 unique artworks that explore a realm where presence and absence coexist. The portraits within the exhibition are rich in texture and depth, drawing from generations of trauma, ancestral wisdom, cultural memories, and aspirations that resonate beyond mere words.
“My work focuses on figurative painting as a space of restraint rather than a loud proclamation. I am fascinated by how silence can serve as a foundational aspect, influencing posture, gaze, and presence without creating a straightforward narrative,” Edun remarked. “While the figure remains a focal point, it is deliberately restrained, allowing meaning to accumulate without overt expression.”
Edun predominantly utilizes oil stick on canvas, employing techniques such as layering, scratching, scraping, and erasing. This multifaceted approach results in richly textured surfaces, unveiling figures that are both distinct and enveloped within minimalistic or abstract backgrounds. The subjects depicted beckon viewers to engage in deeper reflection and longer observation.
Born in Ibadan, West Africa, Edun obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from the University of Benin, Nigeria, in 1984. Following exhibitions in Benin City and Lagos, he relocated to the United States in 1987. Between 1990 and 1993, he had the opportunity to study under renowned Baltimore artist Larry “Poncho” Brown. Currently, he resides in Columbia, Maryland.
Edun’s artistic contributions have been showcased both nationally and internationally, with significant exhibitions in London (2021) and Paris (2022). He has also been featured in “New American Paintings” (Issue 166). Notably, in 2018, he was commissioned by the DC Black Repertory Company to create a portrait of Robert Hooks, the organization’s founding member.
A dedicated member of the Maryland Federation of Art, Edun is actively involved in arts education, volunteering his time to mentor emerging artists at Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, Maryland.
The grand opening event on Saturday, January 17, will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Gallery Blue Door is conveniently located at 833 Park Ave., Baltimore, MD.
