This body of work explores Soyinka’s legacy through a contemporary visual language. I am creating a series of pop-inspired portraits of Soyinka, infused into traditional Yoruba textiles such as adire (tie-dye) and batik. These fabrics are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Southwestern Nigeria, particularly Abeokuta, Soyinka’s hometown.
“In Conversation with WS” is not only a tribute, but a collaborative cultural experience one that connects heritage, identity, and contemporary expression while honouring one of Africa’s most influential literary figures…
AS part of my ongoing commitment to creating art that is both engaging and thought-provoking, I am developing a major exhibition to celebrate the 92nd birthday of Wole Soyinka, the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, commissioned by The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE),
This body of work explores Soyinka’s legacy through a contemporary visual language. I am creating a series of pop-inspired portraits of Soyinka, infused into traditional Yoruba textiles such as adire (tie-dye) and batik. These fabrics are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Southwestern Nigeria, particularly Abeokuta, Soyinka’s hometown.
The works take the form of layered textile montages, combining portraiture and fabric to examine the relationship between culture and creativity. Through this process, I explore how Yoruba philosophy, symbolism, and oral traditions have shaped Soyinka’s writing, thought, and global impact.
A key aspect of the exhibition is public participation. Audiences are invited to contribute their reflections, wishes, and personal responses to Soyinka’s work and legacy. These contributions will be collected and embedded directly into selected artworks, transforming the exhibition into a living archive of collective memory and dialogue.
The exhibition is taking place at the Africa Centre, creating a space that not only showcases the artworks but also encourages active engagement. Rather than presenting art as a finished product, this project opens up the creative process, allowing the public to become contributors to the evolving narrative.
“In Conversation with WS” is not only a tribute, but a collaborative cultural experience one that connects heritage, identity, and contemporary expression while honouring one of Africa’s most influential literary figures.
- https://docs.google.com/…/1rRu7G7FXSFV6T…/edit…
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