We Belong Together by Tonye Ekine

Born in Nigeria and now based in London, Tonye Ekine is inspired by memories, familiar stories, and shared histories. This is the first time his work is being shown in Devon. Many of the artworks include the Ife bronze mask, an important symbol from the Yoruba city of Ife. For Tonye, the mask connects him to his heritage and carries stories, feelings, and strength from the past into the present. 

Tonye’s drawings and paintings also show his interest in fashion, architecture, design, and the way society works. The mask appears in every image, reminding us of identity and connection. His sculptures ask us to think about who is remembered on coins and banknotes, and why women and minority communities are often left out, even though they help shape history. Rather than looking back with sadness, Tonye’s work celebrates resilience, dignity, and shared humanity. Inspired by the values passed down from his maternal grandfather, Tonye continues to create art that holds space for others and reminds us that, in many ways, we belong together

In We Belong Together Tonye explores both our inner thoughts and our relationships with others. Some paintings look “finished”, while others seem open or changing, showing that people are always growing and learning. His new sculptures, made during his residency, focus on coins, everyday objects that help us think about value and fairness. Around the gallery, you will see figures of women and men wearing Ife masks. They represent the quiet strength of people who support families and communities, even when they are not always recognised. Like coins, they are important and always in circulation, yet sometimes overlooked. 

In this exhibition Tonye Ekine brings together his colourful paintings and new sculptures he began making during his residency at The Art House in Wakefield. Through storytelling and imagination, Tonye invites everyone especially young people to think about who we are, how we feel, and how we treat one another. His artworks remind us that we all share the same emotions: love, happiness, anger, sadness, fear, and hope. If we all feel these things, why do we sometimes forget that our friends, neighbours, and colleagues feel them too? Why do we hide our true selves, and why can it be hard to accept each other? Tonye hopes these artworks encourage us to slow down, look closely, and be kinder to ourselves and others.