Nigerian sculptor champions environmentalism

“Renowned Nigerian Sculptor Dotun Popoola Champions Black Beauty and Environmental Advocacy Through Metal Art”

Dotun Popoola, an award-winning metal sculptor and visual artist from Nigeria, is celebrated for his innovative approach to art, which combines the celebration of Blackness with a powerful message of environmental consciousness.

Through his work, Popoola transforms scrap metal into vibrant sculptures depicting animals and people, addressing issues such as waste management and the significance of recycling.

“My art is centered around repurposing discarded materials like motorcycle tanks, brake pads, and car struts, which symbolize the visible signs of decay in Nigeria’s infrastructure,” Popoola explained in an interview with a famous  media channel.

One of his recent sculptures, titled “Irinkemi Asake,” stands at 12 feet tall and weighs 882 pounds. Inspired by his wife, the piece portrays the adorned head and neck of an African woman. Comprising over 4,000 meticulously crafted metal butterflies, each welded and cut by hand, the sculpture utilizes discarded metal, galvanized pipes, automobile parts, stainless steel, and wrought iron. It is coated with an anti-rust finishing and UV protection.

“The artwork celebrates the beauty of Black women worldwide,” Popoola remarked. “It embodies their grace, raw beauty, and innate power, while also symbolizing the struggles and triumphs they have endured.”

The unveiling of “Irinkemi Asake” on Instagram garnered widespread acclaim, amassing over 50,000 followers in less than 24 hours. Popoola received praise from notable figures, including model Naomi Campbell and Tera DuVernay, the deputy director of Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

DuVernay expressed her admiration for the sculpture and expressed interest in showcasing it at the museum, which focuses on the history of slavery in America and its lasting impact.

Popoola’s sculpture will be featured at the museum’s Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, where it will serve as a tribute to Black resilience and courage. The installation coincides with the museum’s Juneteenth concert, highlighting the enduring spirit of the Black community.

For Popoola, his art serves as a form of activism, advocating for environmental sustainability while celebrating the richness of Black culture. He has established his Scrap Art Museum in Osun State, Nigeria, where he mentors young artists and promotes the use of recycled materials in art.

“I want to use my art to tell stories, to inspire change, and to empower the next generation of artists,” Popoola affirmed. “Through creativity and determination, we can effect positive change in our society.”