After a successful residency programme, a thought-provoking group show that explores waste, material transformation, and sustainability within Nigeria’s contemporary socio-economic landscape, Recycling Matters II, is set to hold on February 7.

The country is widely characterised by patterns of excessive consumption and rapid disposal, reflecting the socio-economic realities of one of Africa’s largest, import-dependent economies. Recycling Matters II is a social intervention on the issues of waste, utility, and extended meanings within contemporary society.

Drawing from discarded rubber, scrap metal, and fabric, the exhibition reflects on patterns of consumption and disposal shaped by Nigeria’s import-dependent economy. It challenges conventional perceptions of value and utility by repositioning waste as a site of memory, resilience, and renewal.

Through the convergence of forms, the show presents aesthetic assemblages and installations that reflect Nigeria’s culture of consumption and environmental pollution, while also advocating for sustainable environmental awareness and responsible material culture.

To deepen the interrogation, Alexis Galleries, organisers of the show, is featuring new works by four residency artists—Konboye Ebipade Eugene, Seye Morakinyo, Aliya Diseotu Victor and Ibrahim Afegbua—who employ innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to reclaiming found materials.

In her curatorial statement, Founder, Alexis Galleries, Patty Chidiac Mastrogianni, said: “Through sculpture, assemblage, and installation, the artists transform everyday waste into expressive forms that challenge conventional notions of value, while addressing environmental pollution and sustainability.”
She said, “in a society paralysed by waste and consumption, this exhibition motivates viewers to take proactive, responsive efforts towards their immediate environment and society.”

Lending his voice, Uche Obasi, who is curating the show, said it is a social intervention on the issues of waste, utility, and extended meanings within contemporary society.

He added, “this exhibition recontextualises waste as a re-inventive material for reclamation , offering critical commentary on pollution and environmental management while nurturing a culture of sustainability in Nigeria.”

According to Obasi, “through processes of accumulation, binding, layering, and welding, industrial and domestic waste is transformed into expressive visual narratives. These artists practices aims to blur the boundaries between sculpture, assemblage, and installation, revealing the poetic forms and meanings embedded in everyday used materials.”

The Macallan, world-renowned Scottish whisky brand, is partnering with Alexis Galleries for the second edition.

Reflecting on the partnership, Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, West and Central Africa (WACA), Edrington Portfolio, highlighted the alignment between The Macallan’s philosophy and the ethos of the residency. “At The Macallan, we value patience, process, and purpose. Supporting Recycling Matters II allows us to champion artists who approach their craft with intention and depth, while fostering meaningful dialogue around sustainability, mentorship, and long-term creative impact,” he said.

Also speaking, Alexis Galleries, said: “We sincerely thank The Macallan for its generous support of the Recycling Matters II Residency. Through this sponsorship, The Macallan has enabled meaningful artistic engagement with issues of waste, consumption, and material reinvention.”

The Gallery said, “their commitment has provided artists the space to transform discarded materials into works of renewed utility and meaning. By supporting this initiative, The Macallan demonstrates a thoughtful investment in sustainability, creativity, and cultural dialogue. We are grateful for their partnership in advancing socially responsive contemporary art.”