My art is an adventure into the unknown world of imagination
Born: Akure, Nigeria
Now: Maryville, Illinois, USA
@adegboyega19.79
INTERVIEW
Your work explores themes of migration, identity, and cultural heritage. How has your personal migration experience influenced your art and choice of materials?
My personal migration experience is at the core of my artistic practice, shaping both my themes and choice of materials. Moving from one cultural landscape to another has deepened my understanding of identity as something fluid yet deeply rooted in heritage. This duality is reflected in my use of African wax print fabric, which I cut, layer, and reshape to symbolize the transformation of cultural identity while maintaining historical connections. The fabric, like my own journey, carries a history of movement and adaptation, embodying the complexities of belonging.
Additionally, materials such as hot glue sticks and rug tufting serve as metaphors for resilience and continuity. The binding quality of hot glue mirrors the often-invisible bonds that connect me to my cultural roots despite displacement, while the tactile process of rug tufting allows me to physically engage with memory and tradition. Enameled copper, inspired by African adornment, bridges my past and present, celebrating the adaptability of diasporic identities. Beyond visual art, I integrate writing poetry and letter burning into my practice, creating a dialogue between past and present.
You utilize diverse materials such as African wax print fabrics, hot glue, enameled copper, and pyrography. How does each of these materials contribute to conveying your ideas and concepts?
Each material I use embodies themes of migration, identity, and cultural heritage, serving as both metaphor and medium.
African Wax Print Fabric symbolizes cultural hybridity. Its history of trade and adaptation mirrors the evolving identities of diasporic communities. By cutting, layering, and reshaping the fabric, I reflect on the transformation of cultural heritage while preserving historical connections.
Hot Glue Sticks represent resilience and connection. The adhesive quality signifies the invisible bonds that tie individuals to their heritage despite displacement. My intricate glue motifs reflect the reconstruction of identity, piecing together fragments of memory and culture.
Enameled Copper bridges tradition and modernity. Inspired by African adornment, its vibrant colors and reflective surfaces celebrate the adaptability of diasporic identities. The dynamic interplay of light and texture reinforces the enduring strength of cultural heritage.
Pyrography turns text and imagery into permanent marks, preserving memory and history. By burning words into wood and handmade paper, I embed personal and collective narratives into my work.
In your view, what role does art play in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage within the context of global migration?
Art plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, especially in the context of global migration. It serves as a bridge between past and present, allowing individuals to maintain a connection to their roots while adapting to new environments. Through visual storytelling, symbolism, and material choices, art captures the essence of traditions, memories, and histories that might otherwise fade over time.
For diasporic communities, art becomes a means of reclaiming identity and fostering a sense of belonging. It provides a platform to share personal and collective experiences, ensuring that cultural narratives remain alive across generations. Additionally, art facilitates dialogue between cultures, encouraging understanding and appreciation of diverse histories.
By integrating traditional materials, motifs, and techniques into contemporary practice, artists actively preserve heritage while reshaping it in response to new influences. In this way, art not only safeguards cultural identity but also allows it to evolve and thrive within a globalized world.
You have participated in exhibitions both in Nigeria and internationally. How do these different cultural contexts affect the perception and interpretation of your art?
Exhibiting my work in both Nigeria and internationally has revealed how cultural context shapes the perception and interpretation of my art. In Nigeria, audiences often recognize and connect with the cultural symbols, materials, and narratives I incorporate, interpreting them through shared historical and social experiences. The use of African wax print fabric, for example, carries deep cultural significance that resonates with local viewers, evoking themes of heritage and identity in familiar ways.
Internationally, the reception varies as audiences engage with my work from different perspectives. Some view it through the lens of migration and globalization, while others see it as an introduction to a culture they may not fully understand. This diversity of interpretation enriches my practice, encouraging dialogue about identity, displacement, and cultural hybridity. Ultimately, these varying responses reinforce the universality of migration experiences while highlighting the importance of context in shaping artistic meaning.
You have received several awards and recognitions for your work. How have these achievements impacted your career and artistic practice?
Receiving awards and recognition has significantly impacted my career and artistic practice by providing visibility, validation, and new opportunities. These achievements have strengthened my confidence in my artistic voice, affirming the relevance of my exploration of migration, identity, and cultural heritage. They have also opened doors to exhibitions, residencies, and collaborations, allowing me to expand my practice and engage with diverse audiences.
Beyond personal growth, these recognition have given me a platform to further conversations around diasporic identity and cultural preservation. They have encouraged me to push my creative boundaries, experiment with new materials, and refine my conceptual approach. Additionally, they have connected me with a broader artistic community, fostering valuable relationships and collaborations. Ultimately, these achievements serve as motivation to continue my work, knowing that it resonates with others and contributes meaningfully to discussions on heritage, identity, and migration.
What projects or directions do you plan to explore in the future?
In the future, I plan to expand my exploration of migration, identity, and cultural heritage by incorporating more immersive and interactive elements into my work. I aim to experiment further with textile installations, incorporating sound and movement to create multi-sensory experiences that engage audiences on a deeper level. Additionally, I am interested in integrating digital media, such as video and augmented reality, to explore the evolving nature of diasporic identity in contemporary spaces.
Another direction I plan to explore is community-based projects that involve collaboration with other artists and members of the diaspora. By engaging in workshops and participatory art initiatives, I hope to create spaces where shared experiences of migration and cultural preservation can be expressed collectively. Through these projects, I seek to continue pushing the boundaries of my practice while fostering meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, and the resilience of cultural heritage in a globalized world.
Adegboyega, what advice would you give to young artists?
To young artists, I would advise you to stay true to your unique voice and vision, even when faced with challenges.
Art is a personal journey, and it’s important to trust in your creative instincts, even when others may not understand or appreciate your work immediately.
Be patient with your process and don’t rush to fit into trends or expectations.
Additionally, I encourage you to stay curious and open to learning. Experiment with different materials, techniques, and concepts to push the boundaries of your practice. Collaboration and engagement with other artists and communities can also be a great source of inspiration and growth.
Finally, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Every step, no matter how small, is part of your development. Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and remember that your art has the power to inspire and connect people across cultures and experiences.