Eunice Olumide has the distinction of having already conquered another creative industry: as a fashion model, she has appeared in runway shows around the world and in the pages of Vogue, InStyle, Dazed and Confused, and I.D., among many others. Now, as an art dealer, she is in the process of launching her eponymous gallery with a roster of leading street artists. With a focus on politically conscious work, Olumide Gallery is poised to bring a breath of fresh air to the London art scene.
Here, we asked Eunice Olumide to take a break from busily planning their first opening this Friday and Saturday to tackle five quick questions.
What type of art does your gallery focus on?
The gallery is comprised largely of contemporary art from a conscious background, which at the moment includes Nick Walker, Elmo Hood, and Inkie.
Tell us about your background in art and what led you here.
I have worked as a fashion model since I was 15. This year I became an ambassador for Vivienne Westwood’s “Climate Revolution,” and met many artists and revolutionaries who believe and support the cause. I spent time with and was a muse for Yoko Ono and other artists—including Tim Noble, Richard Wilson, and Nigel Coats—who in turn introduced me to the London art scene. To me, fashion and art are intrinsically linked, with fashion mirroring art and art mirroring the culture of our times.
Schoony, Union ‘Jack Boy’ Soldier. Courtesy of Olumide Gallery.
What is the first artwork that captured your attention?
It has to be Boy Soldier by English artists Schoony. There is something that is beautiful and elegant about this piece, but at the same time, it deals with serious socio-political and environmental issues within our society.
What makes your gallery unique? Tell us about your first show.
The gallery is unique because it was set up by artists for artists. I have never studied art but was in a way nominated by the artists themselves to set up the gallery. It has been an incredible journey and one that I am proud to have been asked to do.
We will hold the first ever soft launch and private exhibition at the Groucho club on May 27 and 28, which is invitation only. We are all extremely excited about the event, and particularly being able to secure such an important and respected venue.
Elmo Hood, Great Minds Think Alone. Courtesy of Olumide Gallery.
What is the most challenging part of running a gallery?
The most challenging part has to be organizing all of the artists and the work for the exhibition, but what is life without struggle? Might I ask has there ever been a thing that has produced beauty that appeared without any effort? I think not. With beauty there is always pain, for how would we know the true meaning of happiness if we had never experienced sadness?
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