Ripples Many Streams, Andrew Omote Edjobeguo

Rooted in the theme of this year’s Refugee Week, Ripples Many Streams explores the cascading effects of migration. Whilst centered in personal lived experience, Andrew Omote Edjobeguo’s work also echoes broader global concerns, particularly the climate emergency and its impact on communities in the Global South. Belonging can be forged from shared stories, collective care and how we understand difference.

In this new body of work, Edjobeguo reflects on how materials, like people, move, adapt, and transform across geographies. In a departure from his current bronze-casting practice, Edjobeguo has used this dedicated studio time to experiment with new techniques and materials including found plastic waste and thermal manipulation to create multi layered sculptures which bring to the fore not only the necessity for, but highlights the unique beauty found in cultural intersection.Reimagining traditional Nigerian clothing such as the gele (headwrap) and wrapper or ceremonial garments using sculpture, Edjobuego takes pride by commemorates and immortalising the culture he has been surrounded by. In Shrouded Identity we see the ongoing environmental crisis and confronts us with the damaging realities of plastic waste and consumer culture, and emphasises the need for collective action.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with 432 NO-MADS, a Portsmouth-based creative collective that champions cultural diversity and artistic experimentation. Developed as part of an initiative to support emerging migrant artists, Edjobeguo was selected through an open call to undertake an artist residency at Aspex, receiving mentorship, space and time to develop new works.

About the artist

Andrew Omote Edjobeguo is a Nigerian-born sculptor and multidisciplinary artist from Delta State, now based in England. Trained in sculpture and industrial design, his work draws from personal experience and explores themes such as gender equality, environmental issues, and cultural identity. Known for his distinctive bronze casting technique, Edjobeguo’s sculptures engage powerfully with their surroundings. His work has been featured in international exhibitions, including [Re:]Entanglements (Cambridge), and his acclaimed series The Oomph of African Woman, celebrating female strength and resilience. Find out more by visiting Andrew’s website here