The historic halls of Aafin Ilu became the epicenter of global artistic dialogue on 11th June, 2023, as the group art exhibition Àṣà l’áṣọ (Culture is Our Cloth) unfolded in a grand celebration of creativity, heritage, and cultural exchange.
The landmark event brought together artists from different parts of Nigeria and four continents, turning Ede into a vibrant crossroads of ideas, traditions, and artistic mastery.
The exhibition was co-curated by Prince Adewale Laoye and the phenomenal, Racheal Joy Okogie, a world-renowned art and cultural curator with a long history of staging groundbreaking shows. She crafted an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blended contemporary narratives with timeless traditions.
Featuring an extraordinary lineup of talent who were invited to display their work at the prestigious Aafin Ilu. Àṣà l’áṣọ showcased works across diverse media, from painting and sculpture to photography, textile art, and mixed media installations.
Participating artists included Shegun Oseh, Aliq Tabash, Kester Kanayo Onyemaechi, Ibukun Oparinu, Mercy ‘Oduz’ Odukogbe, Shunam Thomson, Edirin John Duvwiama, Bukola Abiodun, Dauda Itopa Ova, Medeyonmi Akran, Olamide Bakare, Olalekan Adetunji, David Okogie, among others. Each artist brought their own distinct voice, yet together they created a powerful, unified narrative celebrating the richness of cultural identity.
The theme, Culture is Our Cloth, resonated deeply with visitors. Each piece served as a visual metaphor for the fabrics that bind communities, from the intricate weaves of ancestral traditions to the bold patterns of contemporary expression.
The works explored themes of heritage, migration, identity, and resilience, providing a space for reflection, dialogue, and connection among people of diverse backgrounds.
Over the course of the exhibition, Aafin Ilu welcomed art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, collectors, and critics from around the globe.
The atmosphere was electric, punctuated by artist talks, guided tours, and vibrant conversations that spilled beyond the gallery walls into the cultural heart of Ede in Osun State.
The fusion of local artistry with international perspectives underscored Nigeria’s place as a rising powerhouse in the global art scene.
Speaking at the opening, Prince Laoye reflected on the event’s impact: “Àṣà l’áṣọ is not just an exhibition; it’s a statement about who we are and the stories we carry.
By bringing together artists from across Nigeria and beyond, we weave a fabric of cultural unity that transcends borders.”
The success of Àṣà l’áṣọ marked it as one of the defining art events of 2023, a testament to the power of collaboration, the depth of Nigerian creativity, and the enduring relevance of culture in shaping our collective future.