Opening reception: April 3rd, 2025
Location: 195 Chrystie Street, NYC, 10002
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 12-5 pm & Sunday by appointment
Contact: caroline@voltzclarke.com | 917.292.6921
Press Release
Voltz Clarke Gallery is pleased to present Wanderlust, a two-person exhibition by Daniel Adenitan and Leyla Pekmen.
Daniel Adenitan's celebration of still life and landscape in this new series forms a strong dialogue with the dreamlike world captured in Leyla Pekmen's whimsical compositions. Adenitan and Pekmen's new pieces in Wanderlust exemplify their aesthetic similarities as both artists focus on creating scenes inspired by everyday life in a spirited and vibrant palette.
Adenitan explains, “his works serve as a testament to his fascination with the beauty found in everyday objects and the joy of exploring the world around him.” Inspired by nature's patterns and palette, the Nigerian painter creates vibrant scenes that challenge Adenitan to balance both an exaggeration and simplification of forms in the piece. He explains, "this process of simplification allows me to tap into the essence of my subjects, revealing their underlying beauty and character." The painter also displays his attention to detail by playing with texture and pattern. Through this process his works spark imagination, evoke emotion, and invite viewers to appreciate the beauty in the mundane. Adenitan graduated from The University of Lagos with a B.A. in Creative Arts in 2019. This is his third exhibition feature at Voltz Clarke Gallery.
In her recent series, Pekmen invites viewers to step away from the noise of everyday life and into her dreamlike world. The exhibition is both an escape and a therapeutic journey for the artist herself, deeply rooted in her fascination with nature and water. Through this collection, she offers a heartfelt tribute to these elements, expressing gratitude for the calm and inspiration they bring to her life, process, and work. The artist describes her approach as "an optimistic rebellion" against the darker aspects of life. Instead of focusing on the harshness of reality, she collects and celebrates moments of joy and beauty. By emphasizing the positive, Pekmen hopes to create a connection between the viewer and their own memories of happiness. The artist lives and works in Istanbul and this is her second exhibition with Voltz Clarke Gallery. She has participated in international female group shows in California, Beijing, and Amsterdam.