Today we’d like to introduce you to Adenrele.
Hi Adenrele, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I founded Rele in 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria, after leaving a career in accounting. I had previously worked in corporate America and was educated in both Nigeria and the United States.
Rele began as a response to the lack of accessible platforms for contemporary African artists and a desire to shift the local and global perception of African art. I envisioned Rele not just as a commercial gallery, but as a space for cultural production, critical dialogue, and emerging talent. This vision materialised through exhibitions, public programming, and the Rele Arts Foundation, which launched the Young Contemporaries program to support early-career African artists.
Rele has since expanded internationally, with locations in Los Angeles and London as well as a strong presence at global art fairs. The gallery continues to bridge African and diasporic narratives, positioning itself as a critical voice in contemporary African art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I started Rele in 2015, there were definitely a lot of challenges. At the time, contemporary art wasn’t widely embraced in Nigeria, most collectors leaned toward traditional or more familiar styles. So part of my work was really about shifting perceptions, building an audience, and showing that new, experimental voices mattered.
I didn’t come from a conventional art background, so I had to earn the trust of artists, collectors, and institutions. And running a gallery in Lagos isn’t always easy, there are infrastructural issues, high operational costs, and limited resources for emerging talent. But I was committed to creating a space that supported young artists in a real way, which is how the Young Contemporaries program came about.
Expanding to Los Angeles and London was another leap. Navigating a different system, building relationships in a new market, and staying true to the gallery’s identity, that came with its own learning curve. And of course, part of the ongoing challenge is pushing back against the way African art is often stereotyped or boxed in internationally.
But in all of it, the vision has stayed the same: to create a platform that nurtures, challenges, and redefines what’s possible for African artists, locally and globally.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder and director of Rele, a contemporary art space I established in 2015 with locations in Lagos, Los Angeles and London. My work sits at the intersection of curation, cultural strategy, and artist development. I’m particularly passionate about creating platforms that support and elevate emerging African artists, helping them not only gain visibility but build sustainable careers.
I’m perhaps best known for initiating the Rele Young Contemporaries program, which has become a critical springboard for a new generation of African artists. I’m proud that we’ve been able to foster talent from early stages and see those artists go on to exhibit internationally and shift conversations in the art world. That long-term investment in artists, especially when they’re just finding their voice, is something I care deeply about.
What sets me apart is a curatorial approach that’s both local and expansive. I’m deeply rooted in Nigeria, but I’ve always seen the importance of positioning African art in global contexts, without diluting its voice or packaging it through a Eurocentric lens. I come from a background in accounting and I think that mix of structure and creative intuition really shapes how I run the gallery.
At the core of everything I do is a belief that art has the power to reimagine our futures. That’s the work I try to do every day, create space for bold, necessary, transformative expression.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One thing I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t always have to come in a formal package. Some of the most valuable guidance I’ve received came through conversations, collaborations, or simply observing how people I admire move through the world. So my advice would be: stay curious, stay open, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Sometimes mentorship is found in community, not hierarchy.
In terms of networking, I’ve found that building *real* relationships works better than trying to “network” in the traditional sense. For me, it’s about connection; sharing values, being generous with your time and insight, and showing genuine interest in what others are doing. People remember that.
Also, show up. Be in the room. Whether it’s an art opening, a panel talk, or a casual gathering, being present, asking good questions, and listening deeply has opened more doors for me than any business card ever could.
And lastly: don’t underestimate your peers. Some of my most impactful professional relationships have come from people who were on the journey with me, not ahead of me. Grow together. That’s where the magic really happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rele.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relegallery?igsh=MXhwOHVqZTBvOTJhZw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReleGallery/
- Twitter: https://x.com/relegallery
