Two Shores

Elizabeth Xi Bauer is pleased to present Two Shores, a new exhibition at its Deptford space, bringing together works by the late Ivan Moraes and emerging talent Saint Takyi. This exhibition marks the gallery’s first presentation of work by either artist, and the first time their practices are shown in dialogue. Placing Moraes’ historical perspective alongside Takyi’s contemporary vision highlights the enduring influence of spirituality and identity as driving conceptual catalysts.  

Opening a vital dialogue on duality and ambiguity, the exhibition explores African-origin cultural expression as a site of encounter, transformation, and syncretic identity. Through portraiture and layered visual languages, Ivan Moraes and Saint Takyi draw on Christian, Candomblé, and Asante traditions: Moraes embeds Afro-Brazilian ritual aesthetics within everyday scenes, while Takyi weaves Christian heritage and Asante mythologies into dreamlike narratives that probe the fluidity of identity.