#plasto-art

[timesothercompany]

It’s hard not to see artist Ilfeoma U. Anyaeji’s work in the context of our current environmental crisis, even though that’s not the main intention behind her use of found plastics and non-biodegradable material sourced from her Nigerian home. As the word plastic has become so negative and politically charged in my lexicon, I am truly amazed at how uplifting and optimistic I find Anyaeji’s sculptures to be. 

The unexpected newness of these plastics transformed by traditional weaving techniques brings to mind what Cyrill Gutsch, founder of Parley for the Oceans, said at the 2018 Fashion Awards in London. Gutsch commented on the need for a more apt (and less-worn) term than sustainability as a way to move forward and create change. He landed on the term eco-innovation, one which holds enough futuristic potential and promise to describe Anyaeji’s work.

[sylvianowak]

Ifeoma U. Anyaeji makes distinctive sculptures and installations from discarded bottles and non-biodegradable plastic bags.

Interested in traditional craft processes and the use of non-conventional materials, her work explores transitions of West African culture, specifically drawing on the folklore, fashion, music and poetry of Nigeria, where she is from.

Using a method which she describes as Plasto-art, Anyaeji creates intricately-woven structures and reliefs with a West African hair-plaiting technique known as Ikpa Owu in Igbo language (Threading), an increasingly obsolete hair-craft in Nigeria. By combining this with traditional basketry and fabric weaving techniques, Anyaeji reflects on the loss of such traditions. For her first solo presentation in the UK, Anyaeji will present a selection of recent work in BALTIC’s Level 2 gallery.