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Idyls

Idyls is a series of paintings which depict visions, memories and hopes of calm moments enjoyed by loving families or companions in places of pastoral serenity.

Works from the series have been shown in group exhibitions at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Kettles Yard, the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, University College London Hospital, Thames-Side Studio Gallery and in solo exhibitions at DKUK and Niru Ratnam. Throughout 2023 an oversize print of ‘On Episode Seven’ was on view at Holland Park in West London, curated by Black Blossoms.

Call Me Blessed (2016, oil and acrylic on canvas, 80 x 100cm)
Let Us Go Over (2016, oil and acrylic on canvas, 80 x 100cm, collection of Sir Richard Heaton)
On Episode Seven (2020, acrylic paints on linen, 61cm x 76cm)
Andromeda with Gorgophone, Autochthe and Perseus (2021, acrylic paints on linen, 61cm x 76cm)
Idyl of Osun, Ifé and Sango (2019, acrylic on linen, 76 x 61 cm)
The Hikers (2022, acrylic on linen, 76 x 61 cm)
Mumbis Return (2019, acrylic on linen, 61cm x 76cm)
Descending A Dune (2020, acrylic on linen, 76 x 61cm)
To Dance… (2023, acrylic on linen, 91.5  x 122 cm)
Idyl of Asase, Nyame and Abena (2019, acrylic on linen, 61 x 76cm)
Idyl of Abar and Piye (2020, acrylic on linen, 76 x 61cm)
Amble Awhile (2024, acrylic on linen, 160  x 200 cm)
Linger Awhile (2024, acrylic on linen, 122  x 91 cm)
Soulscapes at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Preview photo by Kimathi Donkor, 2024
Soulscapes at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Installation photo by Kimathi Donkor, 2024
Installation photo of the On Episode Seven billboard at Holland Park Roundabout, London. Photo, Kimathi Donkor, 2023
Installation view of Kimathi Donkor: Helix/Idyl at Niru Ratnam Gallery, 2023. Photo by K. Donkor
Installation photograph of Play, Rest, Work at University College London Hospital, 2022. Photo by Kimathi Donkor
Installation photograph of Play, Rest, Work at University College London Hospital, 2022. Photo by Kimathi Donkor
Paintings on a gallery wall, receding sharply. Closest painting is
Installation photograph of idyls: Kimathi Donkor at DKUK, 2021
Installation photograph of idyls: Kimathi Donkor at DKUK (b). Photo by K. Donkor


For more about these artworks:

Interview with Bolanle Tajudeen Kimathi Donkor, Mastering a Painting Practice that Comes Directly From the Heart

Soulscapes exhibition catalogue

Standing Ground exhibition catalogue

Audio interview with Daniel Kelly Idyl’s at DKUK