User:Myles Heath/sandbox

Ebun Sodipo was born in 1993 in Nigeria. Sodipo is a black trans woman who creates art for those who will come after. Her creative endeavors are dedicated to shaping a brighter future for black transgender individuals. Drawing inspiration from black feminist studies and taking on a unique blend of collage and storytelling, Sodipo's art fashions visionary narratives that surround the presence and embodiment of black transgender women throughout the past, present, and future. Her creative expression extends across a spectrum of platforms, including galleries, festivals, theaters, digital media, and printed works.^[1]

Known for her unique blend of traditional African aesthetics and contemporary artistic techniques, Sodipo's artworks both preserve and modernize traditional African art forms. Her contribution to the development of African art and design has been invaluable, creating a legacy that inspires future generations. In addition, her works have been featured in exhibitions and shows across the world, attracting attention from art enthusiasts and critics alike. Sodipo's dedication and commitment to her craft have contributed significantly to the growth of art beyond Africa.

Ebun Sodipo's artistic style is known for its unique combination of traditional African aesthetics and modern techniques. Her works often explore themes of identity, history, and culture, shedding light on the complexities of African life. Sodipo has collaborated with other artists and organizations both in Nigeria and internationally, contributing to the growth of African art across borders. Her works have been exhibited in shows across the world, including the 2015 Venice Biennale, sparking interest in African art forms. Sodipo's impact on the global art scene cannot be overstated, as her bold and artistic works continue to inspire and captivate art lovers worldwide.

Ebun Sodipo's contributions to African art have received widespread recognition, including awards and accolades from art institutions worldwide. Her influence on art has gone beyond Africa, contributing to the contemporary art landscape. Her unique blend of traditional African art and modern techniques has shaken up artistic conventions, paving the way for other artists to experiment with combining old with new. Sodipo's artworks challenge the boundaries of African art, breaking down stereotypes and providing nuanced insight into African life and culture. Her works remain thought-provoking and inspiring, asserting her position as an upcoming artist in the world today.

Sodipo spent the first 11 years of her life in Nigeria, then moved to the UK. Her creative passion began with reading fantasy novels. She began to write her own fantasies at the age of around 11, creating a small novel about a sci-fi world. From then on in, she was interested in imagination and storytelling.  After taking art for GSCE and A level, she wanted to take it further to see what would happen. She studied further at Camberwell College of Art and UAL, took a two-year break after but started making work again in 2018/2019.^[2]

“The Edge Sheen of a Cut” is a selection of wall-based sculptural works in resin and Mylar, showing images from Sodipo's visual archive. This work incorporates Mylar overlaid with digital prints of images assembled onto the surface, both of which are then coated in resin and left to harden. Material is a pivotal movement within Sodipo's creative process for these pieces. Her incorporation of mylar and reflective surfaces skillfully replicates the glistening allure of the water. The mylar and reflective surfaces serve as agents that capture light and manipulate its refraction in unpredictable ways, therefore enhancing the artworks cinematic attributes and filling it with an illusion of motion and radiance.^[3]

Ebun Sodipo's international acclaim as an artist is a testament to her impact on the global art scene. Her contributions to African art and design have garnered both recognition and inspiration across borders. Her unique style and exploration of African themes have expanded the discourse on African identity and culture beyond Africa. It is crucial to document and preserve the works of African artists like Ebun Sodipo to ensure that their contributions to art history are not forgotten. Her works serve as a reminder of the importance of artistic expression in preserving cultural heritage, inspiring future generations to continue Sodipo's legacy.

2023:

Nasty Girl (The Sharpest Girl in Town). V.O Curation - solo

Coming Home: In Search of Our Second Bodies

The Edge Sheen of a Cut. Vitrine Basel - solo

Group Portraits. Phillida Reid

2022:

Let the Song Hold Us. FACT Liverpool

Drawing A Blank. Ben Broome

In Dedication. We Exist

Shocked Quartz. Ugly Duck

City Entwined. Project Credit - Paradise Row

Speech Sounds. VISUAL Carlow

I Found Venus and She Was Transsexual. Goldsmiths CCA - solo

To My Only Love, Yours Always in Body and Soul. a space arts - solo

2021:  

Sensing A/New. flat70

Itinerant Imaginaries. Creating Interference. Regent Street Cinema

Where The Restless Oceans Pound. Chaos Magic

The Impasse of Blackness. The Block Museum

HOPE NOT FEAR NOT. Danshallerne/UNION Denmark

Every Woman Biennale. Copeland Gallery

We Are In The Hold(ing). VFD Dalston

2019:

Making Ground. Embassy Gallery.

BBZ Alternative Graduate Show.  

away, completely. Narrative Projects  

2018:

EAST – Eating At The Same Table. Willesden Gallery  

Widening the Gaze. Slade UCL

I Will Hold Your Gaze. Chelsea College of Arts

2023:

Vitoria: Buraco.  Live Collision.

Le Guess Who

Juf  

2022:

Turner Contemporary

Arebyte Gallery

Drawing A Blank. Ben Broome

live. Jupiter Woods

Cruising Utopia -Bergen Kunsthall  

2021:

Porthmeor Studios. St Ives Festival

Frieze 2021. Frieze Live

One in The Other. Camden Arts Centre.  

Before Anyone Else. Boy.Brother.Friend

2020:

An Afternoon of Listening and Discussion. Languid  Hands. Raven Row

The Conch. South London Gallery.

away, completely: denigrate. Narrative Projects

2019:

writing aloud. Autoitalia.

Identity Crisis. Shorab Ahmari. BBC Radio 4

Gender on the intersections. UAL.  

2018:

Does It Rest Within The Looking. Widening The Gaze. Slade UCL

Caribbean Futures: Windrush Film Series (with Decolonise The Archive and Black History Studies). Africa Centre

Life at the Intersections. Greenbelt Festival.

Happy Birthday Marsha P Film Screening. Bernie Grants Art Centre

Queer. Showstudios