Please join us at Gallery 1957 for an exclusive cocktail reception celebrating Modupeola Fadugba’s solo exhibition Of Movement, Materials and Methods, featuring a special live poetry performance by Akhera Williams.

‘Of Movement, Materials and Methods’ draws inspiration from the vibrant Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, a celebration of Yoruba heritage and the Awujale, the Ijebu people’s ruler. Known for its equestrian processions and communal traditions, the festival embodies identity, unity, and continuity. For Fadugba, it becomes both subject and starting point, shifting her practice from water to land and from solitary swimmers to collective choreography, reflecting on heritage and transformation. Through her signature mixed media approach, she captures the festival’s essence with gold leaf, layered textures, and a vibrant palette, blending Nigerian motifs with the influence of Islamic miniature painting. The use of coral, magenta, and bronze evokes the festival’s energy, while visible pencil strokes and unfinished elements highlight the raw, evolving nature of both the artwork and cultural memory.

The evening will include a performance by Akhera Williams, a South London-based performance poet, creative producer and facilitator whose work often explores social politics through playful, engaging approaches to contemporary art. Her performances create space for reflection and dialogue - adding a powerful layer of resonance to this celebration.

Image: Modupeola Fadugba, The King’s Seat, 2025, Acrylic, graphite, and beads on burned canvas, 96.52 x 71.12 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and Gallery 1957