In Her Hands: Sope Adelaja debuts solo art exhibition

In Her Hands—the debut solo exhibition by Nigerian-born visual artist and photographer Sope Adelaja—captivated guests at Red Door Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos, from December 14 to 18, 2024.

Presented by Recreate Africa, this multimedia showcase invited viewers into a vivid narrative of nurture, highlighting its significance as a feminine trait and a vital force for environmental sustainability.

Drawing from extensive research, photographs, and community conversations, Adelaja’s installations illuminated the lived experiences of women across Lagos, Kano, Taraba, Niger, and Sokoto states—women whose care extends beyond family to the very land they tend. Through her lens, we witnessed how these women cultivate, protect, and sustain the earth, demonstrating the powerful synergy between nurturing and planetary well-being.

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Attendees explored a series of immersive pieces that wove together striking visuals, poignant stories, and resonant themes of resilience, showing how African women in rural landscapes harmonise their lives with the rhythm of nature. Adelaja’s work reminded visitors of the understated strength needed to preserve our collective humanity and our shared environment.

Present at the exhibition were British-Nigerian actress and producer Mrs Zainab Balogun; Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs Yemisi Edun; ⁠⁠Special Assistant Art, Culture and Creative Economy to the President, Mr Ayo Adeagbo; ⁠⁠Special Adviser Economic Planning and Budget to the Governor of Lagos, Mr Olalekan Balogun; author and veteran photographer, Mr Dayo Adedayo; and General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Mr Abdul-Rasheed Muri-Okunola.

The week-long exhibition concluded on a high note, sparking renewed conversation on sustainability and community-driven care. For all who attended, In Her Hands was both an artistic triumph and a clarion call to embrace nurturing as a collective responsibility toward our planet’s future.