Renowned Professor of Arts History at the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Adepeju Layiwola has captivated art enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike with her solo exhibition and fashion show titled Body, Blue, and Beyond.
The event which took place on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at two prestigious venues in Ikoyi, Lagos, was a fusion of arts and fashion. It gave Professor Layiwola a platform to showcase how the human body engages with textiles.
This latest exhibition builds upon Professor Layiwola’s previous 2019 solo showcase titled “Indigo Reimagined” which explored the historical references to sartorial traditions and textile production processes in Southwest Nigeria. With this exhibition, the esteemed professor delves deeper into these themes while expanding her artistic exploration into new realms.
Through a beautiful performance at the exhibition, Professor Layiwola demonstrated the breaking down of colonial structures; and the symbolic tearing of mass-produced copies of àdìre textiles flooding the local markets in Nigeria.
Amongst the guests present were United States Public Diplomacy Officer, Mrs. Julie Mackay; Managing Director of Meristem Securities Ltd, Mr. WoleAbegunde; members of the University of Lagos community, some of Prof Layiwola’s classmates from primary to tertiary levels; amongst many others.
Addressing guests at the opening of the exhibition at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Prof Layiwola explained that the exhibition aims to explore the intricate relationship between the human body, the color blue, and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond conventional artistic boundaries.
According to the first female President-elect of the Arts Council of the African Studies Association (ACASA), USA., this is a beautiful journey into the world of textiles, and new grounds with the body as a site of adornment. More importantly, it highlights the experience of establishing the Péjú Láyíwolá fashion label.
She stated that the new expressions on display were “Beyond Blue” as they further affirm the vibrancy of textiles in other colours.
In her remarks to declare the exhibition open, the United States of America Public Diplomacy Officer, Mrs. Julie Mackay described the event’s theme as apt. She expressed satisfaction with the quality of arts on display and averred that the exhibition represents not only the talent and creativity of Professor Layiwola but also serves as a testament to the importance of cultural diplomacy.
Mrs. Mackay reiterated her country’s willingness to partner with textile artists who understand the direct impact of the art and its ecosystem to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and celebrate the richness of the two countries’ shared human experience.
Similarly in his remarks, the Managing Director of Meristem Securities Ltd, Mr. Wole Abegunde appreciated the works of Professor Layiwola, noting that her ability to seamlessly merge different artistic disciplines while addressing important cultural and historical themes had solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the Nigerian art scene.
The art enthusiast encouraged guests at the occasion to get Professor Layiwola’s works of art, which according to him, “serve as constant reminders that conventional art and fashion could be challenged”.
Shortly after the opening of the exhibition, a fashion show was held at the Mydrim Gallery, just a stone throw away from the exhibition location. The show underscored how art and fashion can intertwine to create captivating visual experiences. It featured innovative designs inspired by Professor Layiwola’s artworks as well as the concepts explored in her exhibition.
The garments displayed were carefully crafted to reflect the essence of Professor Layiwola’s artistic vision, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience. It allowed attendees to witness a harmonious blend of creativity and self-expression.
