Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst examines how play – an essential aspect of
childhood – becomes a site of tension for Black youth in America. By juxtaposing the uninhibited wonder of youth alongside words from music that influences American pop culture, Valentine Ollawa’s work interrogates the realities and complexities of the adultification of Black youth in America and the right to play.
As a selected Craft & Maker Resident, Ollawa recieved a free membership, materials and classes in screen printing and woodworking to expirement with frame production and expand his black and white photography into further physical expressions. His exhibit will be on display from 4.11.2025 – 6.28.2025.
Using screenprinting techniques, Ollawa creates original visuals that depict daily moments and expressions of tenderness and youth. This exhibition invites the audience to reimagine Black music as scenes of youthful expression and echoes of the thirst for play.
Artist Bio
Valentine Ollawa is a Nigerian-American photographer born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and is now based in Houston, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside, in 2010 and began his photography career in 2021.
His work focuses on the daily lives of working-class and marginalized communities. He usesphotography to amplify social narratives that explore identity, offering a symphony of ‘daily living as acts of resistance.
Event is free and open to the public.
link to original posting
Event takes place inside the TXRX LABS lobby, inside the Techne Gallery. TXRX LABS is located in the EAST END MAKER HUB
OPENING April Friday 11th
5-8:30pm Opening of C&MR Showcase.
7pm – Meet the Artist and hear about the work
Refreshments will be provided.
ARTIST LED WORKSHOP
TBD : Screenprinting
TBD : Auction
CLOSING June Saturday 28th
10-3pm End of C&MR Showcase.
Refreshments will be provided.
