Olumide Onadipe's 'The Earth Holds Our Names' Exhibition Opens at SOTO Gallery in Lagos
All roads lead to SOTO Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos, for the highly anticipated solo exhibition 'The Earth Holds Our Names' by the talented master Olumide Onadipe. Kicking off the gallery's first exhibition of the year, this showcase, curated by Uchechukwu Obasi, will run from April 19 to May 31, 2026, offering visitors a deep meditative exploration of memory, material transformation, and cultural continuity.
Exploring Yoruba Worldview and Cultural Heritage
Drawing from the epic history of the indigenous Yoruba worldview, Onadipe's exhibition traces the metaphysical movement of time across generations and colonially politicised spaces. Acting as both a temporal and material narrator, he excavates contemporary reality as cyclical and embodied, mapping ancestral patterns, identity, and traditions that continue to shape postcolonial existence. His works resist direct declaration, instead unfolding through texture, form, and suggestive titles that invite layered interpretation, reflecting a profound connection between ancestral knowledge and modern life.
Innovative Use of Everyday Materials
Known for his idiosyncratic sculptural language, Onadipe transforms everyday materials—such as dyed and rolled newspaper, nylons, and drink foils bound with galvanized wire—into textured, evocative forms. These repeated accumulations oscillate between object and commentary, offering subtle yet profound reflections on Nigerian society. The artist emphasizes that his primary reason for using these materials is their ability to communicate with him, stating, "If the materials don't communicate with me, I'm not going to use it, no matter how environmentally friendly it shows itself." He sees this as part of fulfilling his responsibility to the community, opening people's eyes to the wonder of everyday materials and their potential when pushed beyond conventional boundaries.
Gallery and Artist Insights
Founder of SOTO Gallery, Tola Akerele, expressed excitement over the works, noting that as the first show of the year, "we are taking it very seriously and took our time to select the artist." She highlighted the interesting perspective on sustainability that Onadipe brings, aiming for visitors to experience it through his eyes. Gallery manager Joanna Oyefeso praised the materials, mostly resin, used in the body of works, with pieces like "Oba Apase" standing out for their references to Yoruba mythology and the artist's deep influences from religion and worldview.
Themes of Memory and Social Responsibility
The exhibition, featuring about 20 works, explores how the earth remembers humans, using materials with human experience to create a conversation between people and the earth, as well as between past and present generations. Onadipe describes it as "a conversation between people that have lived before and people living now," focusing on how the earth hears our names, absorbs our stories, and folds us back into its memory. Reflecting on specific works, such as "Eko Bridge," he emphasizes feminine power as sacred, while "Opa Ase" symbolizes authority and reflects on modern democratic consciousness and the weight of leadership.
On social responsibility through art, Onadipe believes that artists can educate people by showcasing material possibilities and the downsides of careless disposal. "An artist is a vessel through which many minds speak," he said, adding that he acts as a voice for the unseen, making him fundamentally socially responsive. This exhibition not only highlights artistic innovation but also fosters important dialogues on culture, sustainability, and community engagement in Nigeria's vibrant art scene.
