A panel discussion hosted by Katesi Kalange
METAmorphosis concluded Katesi Kalange's 10-week residency and acted as a forum for her to synthesise her research and experiential observations, and share them with our community in Lagos. The title is representative of the transformation that is inherent in her practice and illustrates her commitment to reconceptualising waste materials into new forms. In her opening presentation, Katesi provided a comprehensive overview of her residency and discussed the challenges she encountered, alongside the strategies she employed to address them. She was also able to detail her production methodologies and acknowledged the collaborative efforts that underpinned the project.
To complement her presentation, a panel of project collaborators joined Katesi in conversation. They included environmental advocate Peter D. Abayomi, ceramicists Ato Arinze and Afeez Azeez, a chemical engineer at BASF Boluwatito Aiyepola and Rafiat Kikelomo Bashiru, who leads operations at Wecyclers. Together they discussed the role of upcycling for the built environment and potentialities for integrating these practices into architecture within a contemporary context. It was an opportunity for both panellists and attendees to imagine how repurposed materials can pave the way for exciting urban futures in our society.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 20th June 2024
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: G.A.S. Foundation, 9b, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off TF Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos.
MEET THE PANELLISTS
Peter D. Abayomi
Peter D. Abayomi emerges as a dynamic force in the artistic and cultural landscape of Lagos. His diverse talents as a curator, composer, educator and researcher are underscored by his commitment to community advocacy, and challenging conventions in African cultural knowledge. With the Eran Jije Project, Peter's work raises awareness about the transformative power of upcycling and recycling culture in Lagos tackling pressing issues like waste management and environmental sustainability, thus catalysing meaningful change and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Adeoti Azeez Afeez
An accomplished ceramicist in Lagos, Nigeria, Adeoti Azeez Afeez specializes in sgraffito. He creates artwork with contrasting colours in engobe-coated clay, known for its depth, tone, and chiaroscuro effect. Adeoti graduated from Yaba College of Technology and has exhibited at Future Fair New York with AMG Projects (2024), (Sur)face exhibition at Chilli Art Projects (2023), and Beyond Limit (2022). He also participated in the Statues Also Breathe workshop with Prune Nourry at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Ato Arinze
Ato Arinze is a sculptor, noted for his ceramics sculptures, with over thirty years of dedicated studio practice. He has been at the forefront of rallying practising ceramic artists together with the goal of affirming their voice and presence in the Nigerian contemporary art landscape. His interest lies in the deep connection with spirituality in order to attain metaphysical knowledge through contemplation and self-surrender. His works are in many private and public collections.
Boluwatito Aiyepola
Boluwatito is a Chemical Engineer who is currently exploring the circular economy as a path to the sustainable coexistence of man and nature. Leveraging the power and know-how of the chemical industry, she works with BASF to reintegrate problematic waste streams into viable value chains, making the case for business approaches with a perspective of total value to society. She works with a team of multidisciplinary experts at BASF to drive the organisation’s sustainable business goals.
Katesi Kalange
Katesi Jacqueline Kalange is a process-focused visual artist from Uganda. A master’s degree holder in Art and Industrial Design from Kyambogo University, Kalange's work weaves together sculpture, architecture, research, installation and performance art. Drawing from African indigenous wisdom, she is fascinated by its historical role in nurturing harmonious coexistence among humans and other beings within shared ecosystems.
Her work has been shown in exhibitions such as Kla Art Festival (2021) in Uganda, Pink Flame exhibition at the village market, Kenya (2022), Silent Invasions, Amasaka Gallery, Uganda (2023) amongst others. She received the Prince Claus Mentorship Award (2021), and emerged as the second alternate in the inaugural El Anatsui Fellowship (2023), and was a participant in the inaugural Venice Architecture Biennale College 2023. She was a recipient of the Tilga Art Fund in 2023, and undertook a residency at G.A.S. Foundation as a result of the award.
Rafiat Kikelomo Bashiru
Rafiat Kikelomo Bashiru is the Head of Operations for Wecyclers Nigeria Limited (the Number one and largest recycling enterprise in Nigeria).
She is an operations specialist in the Waste management sector whose career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, sustainability and innovation.Her expertise is backed by a strong foundation in project management and a forward-thinking approach to operations. She has mastered the act of strategic oversight and impactful leadership managing a team of 50 with precision and leading the charge in recycling over seven thousand kilograms of recyclables daily. She is a graduate of Microbiology from University of Ibadan, a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the prestigious Project Management Institute (PMI) and holds a Certificate in Leadership Program for Sustainable Waste Management at the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.
