"Infestation 1" Installation

Olushola Olajobi is a Nigerian visual artist whose works are deeply rooted in the traditions of
Yoruba culture, particularly the intricate practice of aso oke weaving. His work, however, is not
a simple repetition of the past. It is an exploration of how these time-honored techniques can be
re-imagined and innovated to address contemporary issues, specifically those concerning the
environment and the overwhelming challenge of waste management.
He sees the loom as more than a tool; it is a metaphor. It represents the meeting point of tradition
and innovation, where the threads of cultural heritage can be woven with the materials of the
modern world. In this space, he is particularly drawn to fluidity and materiality. He works with
materials that are often dismissed as waste, plastic shopping bags and nylon water sachets. He
transforms them, shredding them into strips to create new threads.
This process is a deliberate act of giving these discarded objects a second life, imbuing them
with new purpose and value. The vibrant colors and textures of the plastics, once a symbol of
pollution, become the raw materials for a new form of storytelling. The woven pieces are a
testament to the potential for transformation and a visual dialogue about consumer habits and
their environmental impact.
Through the rhythm of the loom, he is weaving together the past, present, and future. His art is a
call to action, a reminder that we can find beauty and meaning in the most unexpected places and
that our choices, both as individuals and as a society, are the threads that shape our world.
Olushola Olajobi holds a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Lagos, a Bachelor
of Arts in Art History from the University of Benin, and an Ordinary National Diploma in Art
and Design from The Polytechnic Ibadan. His academic background enriches his artistic
narratives, making his installations both visually striking and intellectually stimulating.
Olushola has participated in numerous exhibitions, projects, and residencies, including Rele Art
Foundation Young Contemporaries Residency, Alexis Art Galleries Recycle Matters, +234 Art
Fair, The Earth Speaks and Sustainability Series 8 among others.
Olushola's work engages audiences in discussions about Climate change, Politics of extraction,
distribution, and consumption, Sustainability and the Interconnectedness of human and non-
human entities.