Moses Salihou: Layers of Belonging

Moses Salihou's reflections take us into the world where portraiture and abstraction converge, demanding more than a cursory glance. Moses speaks with the gravitas of someone immersed in the nuances of emotion and representation, describing his shift from detailed, realistic portraits to the expansive freedom of abstraction. His thick applications of oil paint, combined with the visceral strokes of his palette knife, create a textural richness that beckons both sight and touch. This complexity is not to be passively observed but actively felt, each layer revealing his inner landscape and challenging the viewer to engage more deeply. Moses’s work spans continents, finding homes in private collections from Europe to New Zealand, Africa to Asia, and North America. His exhibitions cover the United States and Canada, each piece reflecting his global impact. His insights on the Canadian art scene are both hopeful and sharp. Moses envisions a growing recognition for minority artists, an art world blossoming with the energy reminiscent of New York. His perspective is a clarion call, an invitation to engage with an evolving artistic frontier. Anticipation builds for his upcoming show at Metivier Gallery on September 7, 2024. Moses shares his excitement for a series of smaller, abstract figurative works that explore themes of emotion and human interaction. His work is available through Metivier Gallery in Toronto, at the Tanya Weddemire Gallery in New York, or viewed on Instagram. Don’t forget to follow ArtBeat on Instagram, subscribe to our podcast, and rate us on your favourite platforms.