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A rising star in Nigeria’s art scene, Ikepo Soyinka, has taken a bold stand for a more gender-equal society.

During the Lagos Fringe Festival in Southwest Nigeria, Ikepo unveiled her debut art exhibition, ‘Crows Come At Dawn’, where she captured the essence of womanhood through traditional paintings, shedding light on the pride, suffering, and cultural constraints faced by women. Her collection eloquently portrayed the spectrum of emotions and societal challenges experienced by women in Nigeria.

Speaking passionately about her art, Ikepo expressed, “I’m committed to advocating for social justice through my visual art. My work delves into the intricacies of female community building, positive aspects of tradition, and the negative impact of confining gender roles.”

She also added, “It’s crucial for us to reassess our perspectives on gender and culture, and how we can foster a healthy coexistence between the two. Addressing our biases is imperative for progress.”

Complementing Ikepo’s impactful message, Dr. Olatunde Barber, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, and Brenda Fashugba, the Regional Head for Creative Economy at the British Council, lauded the unwavering support Ikepo received from her family and emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents.

They remarked, “Ikepo’s dedication at such a young age is remarkable. This serves as an opportunity for parents to encourage their children’s aspirations and witness the incredible potential they hold.”

Ayo Soyinka, Ikepo’s father, urged Nigerian artists to use their craft as a vocal platform to address societal issues, emphasizing the influential role of art in sparking meaningful conversations.

“Artists possess the unique ability to shed light on societal ills and advocate for change. They hold the power to liberate and amplify the voices of the unheard,” he stressed.

Offering a sage perspective, Kayode Soyinka, Ikepo’s brother and a relative of the acclaimed literary icon Prof. Wole Soyinka, encouraged patience with the government’s developmental process during its formative phase.

Ikepo Soyinka, a multifaceted storyteller and cultural observer, envisions a promising future for budding artists, serving as an inspiration to young talents aspiring for recognition.

The Fringe Exhibition also showcased the thought-provoking stage play “Beyond Tears,” written and directed by Kayode Sodunke, which examined the harrowing issue of child violence, particularly against the girl child.