In Abuja, Nigeria's bustling capital, creativity meets sustainability as artists turn everyday waste into thought-provoking installations. From discarded plastic bottles to abandoned car parts, local talent like Fatima Aliyu and Tunde Okafor are redefining art’s role in environmental activism.
\"Every piece tells two stories – one of neglect, and another of rebirth,\" says Aliyu, whose sculpture made from smartphone casings recently drew attention at a Lagos exhibition. Okafor’s kinetic installations using bicycle chains highlight West Africa’s growing e-waste challenge, with Nigeria generating 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually.
The movement aligns with global trends in sustainable art, but adds uniquely Nigerian flair through vibrant color palettes and cultural symbolism. Galleries now host \"upcycled art nights\" attracting eco-conscious collectors, while workshops teach students to view waste as creative currency.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
