THE OSHO COLLECTION

A JOURNEY INTO THE MIND OF A COLLECTOR

Osho's journey of reconciliation and self-discovery can be divided into three sections: childhood toys to reflect his time in foster care, exploration of his identity as a musician and artist and finally the Benin bronzes that signify his eventual reconciliation with his cultural heritage.

THE BLACK BARBIE

FINDING A 'FACE LIKE MINE'

The first black Barbie doll appeared in 1969 and due to the rarity of black dolls, they became collectables. The dolls encourage debate on representation in society and the media, and highlight the pressures young women face in conforming to societal norms. The action man and electronic toys document Osho's memories of his early childhood. 

THE VIEW MASTERS

VIEWING THE WORLD BEYOND

With its durability and 3D technology, the Baker Light View Master is strongly associated with World War II. View Masters introduced young children, who had not travelled beyond their immediate surroundings, to view larger cities around the world through the magical world of 3D.

THE BENIN BRONZES

RECONNECTION TO HIS CULTURE

The Benin Bronzes are Osho's most treasured objects, and reflect his journey to reconnect with his cultural heritage and assimilate his identity as a Nigerian Yoruba man within a Western context. The pieces symbolically represent his rebirth, integration and acceptance into an indigenous culture.

LOCAL COLLECTORS

Established local collectors and young collectors in their early stages of defining their collection and understanding why they collect were exhibited upstairs at the Ghaf Gallery. 

MOHAMMED KANOO COLLECTION

AN AVID COLLECTOR AND ARTIST

The gallerist, artist and businessman is an avid collector of planes and automobiles. He believes it is the preservation of one's life experience and he actively encourages others around him to collect. 

SWATCH WATCH COLLECTION

EMIRATI COLLECTOR 

Zayed Al Absi has been collecting Swiss made Swatches since 1990. He loves the craft of watchmaking and was inspired by the spirit of Swatch to bring affordable designer watches to the public.

KAWS COLLECTION

LIMITED EDITION

KAWS are limited edition vinyl toys designed and produced by the artist KAWS formally known as Brian Donnelly. The sculptures have many repeating images, all meant to be universally understood, surpassing languages and cultures. The Abu Dhabi Collector chose to remain anonymous. 

EXHIBITION FILM

Ghaf gallery, Abu dhabi

EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

PRODUCED BY ADMAF

The exhibition catalogue outlined the historical and cultural context for each section of the Olujimi Osho Private Collection and the Abu Dhabi collectors.