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Eugene Konboye: From Flip-Flops To Mosaic Portraits, Plastic Recycling

By Chinelo Eze

24 December 2023   |   9:00 am

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Meet Eugene Konboye, a trailblazing artist making waves not just with his creativity, but also his commitment to environmental stewardship. Konboye’s passion for the environment has found a unique expression in his mesmerising artwork created from discarded plastic flip-flop sandals. His commitment to environmental consciousness is not only seen in his choice of material, but…

Eugene Konboye: From Flip-Flops To Mosaic Portraits, Plastic Recycling

Meet Eugene Konboye, a trailblazing artist making waves not just with his creativity, but also his commitment to environmental stewardship. Konboye’s passion for the environment has found a unique expression in his mesmerising artwork created from discarded plastic flip-flop sandals. His commitment to environmental consciousness is not only seen in his choice of material, but also in his meticulous process.

What inspired recycling of plastic flip-flops for your artwork?
I was inspired more by the desire to be different. I have always wanted to do something that is not regular. I have always wanted to be different; to think outside the box. The times in school I had opportunity to visit galleries; I usually looked out for things that were not there. I always focused on things missing in the space. So, when I started working with footwear, it was more of an answered prayer, because, in my visit to most galleries in Lagos, I did not see any which tasked my inspiration.

How does your art contribute to both artistic expression and environmental sustainability in Nigeria?
For centuries, artists have used their creativity and talent to speak about the happenings of their time. Mine is similar and when it comes to artistic expression I have been able to create through consistency, works that are visually appealing to not just art enthusiasts, but also the ordinary man.

Konboye’s art work of a gazing little girl made of recycled flipflops

On the path of sustainability, it is a global problem and does not just affect Nigeria. There are lots of people doing great work. However, my work is a testament to showing that art can contribute to sustainability also, how art can be a practical solution and it is a privilege to be part of this conversation.

Can you elaborate on the significance of plastic flip-flops as one of the worst plastic-polluting items in Nigeria?
Flip flops are significant because they are very easy to wear and affordable. Putting these two elements together you would see why a lot of people go for this footwear. Nigeria also, is a densely populated country given the number of flip-flops that people use and because this footwear has a short life span being in constant use. Now all these people throw this material away. Unlike other plastics like PET bottles, there are lots of people recycling PET bottles but not flip-flops. So, imagine the number of people using this material and as far as I know, I am the only person recycling this material though, there might be other people doing so. That is why flip-flops are a significant part of the pollution in Nigeria because recyclers of these flip-flops are limited.

Konboye’s art work of a gazing little girl

What challenges do you face in Nigeria, given the limited recycling infrastructure and the massive amount of plastic waste?
The challenge I face is that of misinterpretation. I live in an environment where many people do not understand what I am doing I have been comforted several times about my work and sometimes people are aggressive about it asking what we are using the flip-flops for. Their concerns come from what is happening in our society because some people think we want to use it for something fetish. Along the way, I have created a solution to that. The second challenge I face is some policies. I have gone to a landfill, a dumping ground where I was told that I cannot get access to the landfill unless I write a letter seeking permission from the Ministry of Environment. Now this is to imagine the impact it has on my work I have to write a letter to the Ministry of Environment to gain access to the landfill to pick flipflops. And even when I write how soon will my letter be given audience. So, these are some of the challenges that I experience in my work.

How does your art shed light on the broader environmental issues faced by Nigeria, such as the significant plastic pollution in the Atlantic?
Through my work, I have been able to gain the attention of people, and this has made people environmentally conscious since I usually have people asking me how I get the material that I use. Also through my work, I have inspired several young artists who are tilting towards recycling as I have also trained people and this has been an eye-opener for a lot of people even in the art industry.

Could you share more about the community that you portray in your mosaic portraits, and how they have responded to your artwork?
The people I portray in my work are mainly children from my neighbourhood, but what is most important in my work, for me, is not just the figures, but the materials. My work is about materials, and managing plastic pollution, but the focus in my work is the materials and the response I have got from my environment is the ‘Wow’ factor. The first thing people see is the footwear, but when they get to realise what is there, people marvel at what I have been able to achieve using footwear. Because they are used to seeing art in drawing and painting seeing me create images of people using footwear draws a lot of attention and conversation.