Nigerian-British multidisciplinary artist and product designer, Orry Shenjobi, is set to unveil an immersive art installation, Àdúrà Lẹ́rẹ̀, at New Culture Studios, Ibadan, on November 12, 2026.
The exhibition, which will run until May 2027, explores the intersections of prayer, identity, memory, cultural continuity and sustainability through traditional Nigerian craftsmanship and contemporary art and design.
The installation brings together diverse creative forms, including sculpture, painting, photography, glasswork, furniture, sound, scent and image, within a structure known as The Bamboo Dome.
According to Shenjobi, the project draws on Yoruba and Benin carving traditions, with Shenjobi collaborating with traditional carvers from both locations. The collaboration places local artisans, traditional techniques and locally sourced materials at the centre of the creative process.
The exhibition also builds on research conducted during Shenjobi’s artistic residency at New Culture Studios in February 2026, which explored archival materials and the history of Ibadan.
The artist said her practice had increasingly focused on what people inherit, preserve and build upon, particularly how stories, materials, objects and creative processes carry memories and meanings across generations.
The installation reflects Shenjobi’s Nigerian-British heritage and her interest in using design to connect personal and collective histories. It also examines how traditional design systems can remain relevant in contemporary spaces while addressing the gradual loss of indigenous creative practices.
Àdúrà Lẹ́rẹ̀, which translates literally as “there is reward in prayer”, is also a personal tribute to a prayer offered by Shenjobi’s late grandmother. The work incorporates Catholic influences, including The Stations of the Cross, while the architecture of The Bamboo Dome draws inspiration from the Dominican Chapel in Ibadan.
Shenjobi, however, emphasised that the Dome should not be interpreted as a religious or sacred site, but as an artistic space that invites visitors to experience the installation in their own ways.
New Culture Studios, the exhibition venue, was founded through the vision of renowned Nigerian artist and Mbari Club member, Demas Nwoko. The space promotes artistic expression, cultural innovation and community engagement.
Shenjobi, founder of Studio ORRY, a creative production studio operating between Lagos and London, works across photography, film, painting, sculpture, installation and design. Her practice combines documentation, storytelling, material exploration and social engagement.
The exhibition will also feature a public programme of artist talks, readings, book launches, workshops and film screenings, bringing together artists, writers, musicians, curators and members of the public.
Preview days are scheduled for November 7 to 9, while a further preview on November 11 will be available by appointment. The public opening is fixed for November 12, followed by a book-signing session on November 13.
