Curated to spark conversations on environmental sustainability and waste management, Recycling Matters I engages with the social reality of waste, utility, and functionality considering consumer excess and socio-economic factors. The exhibition explores these themes through a diverse range of mediums, incorporating found materials such as stained glass, rubber, scrap metal, and plastic waste. It invites audiences to reflect on the process of reinvention and reuse, revealing the hidden value in everyday objects while challenging our perceptions of consumption and sustainability.
Speaking on the partnership, Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio Nigeria, said:
“The Macallan has always been a brand that values craftsmanship and innovation, and this partnership with Alexis Gallery allows us to extend those values beyond whisky-making into a meaningful sustainability initiative. Through this exhibition, we hope to not only support talented artists but also drive awareness on the importance of recycling and environmental conservation in Nigeria.”
The Macallan has long been recognised as a leader in sustainable practices within the whisky industry. With a bold vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, the brand has integrated eco-conscious initiatives across its operations. Since 2021, The Macallan Distillery has been carbon neutral, using 99% verified renewable energy sources, including wind turbines, biomass steam, and renewable natural gas. Beyond energy conservation, The Macallan is committed to biodiversity, land preservation, and sustainable packaging. The brand’s lighter bottles and 90-95% recyclable materials have earned it ISO 14001 certification and the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark.
For Patty Chidiac Mastrogiannis, Founder of Alexis Gallery, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to sustainability through art while addressing pressing issues such as environmental pollution, inequality, and consumer excess. She stated:
“We are pleased to present Recycling Matters I, a dynamic exhibition that brings together four innovative artists exploring waste and utility. Their works repurpose everyday discarded materials to highlight pressing issues such as environmental pollution, inequality, and consumer excess while inviting viewers to reflect on the power of reinvention and social change.”
The participating artists in Recycling Matters I challenge creative reuse through striking installations, sculptures, and multimedia works. Konboye Ebipade Eugene reinvents portraiture by stitching discarded footwear into vibrant grids, with ‘Bose’ challenging gender boundaries in the fight for survival. Yusuf Riliwan Idowu creates cubic arrangements of retro-reflective debris, using broken glass to portray a young woman in ‘Elegance of Heritage’, emphasising cultural identity and resilience. Francis Denedo transforms scrap metal into sculptures that explore the quest for freedom, with ‘Emancipation’ symbolising defiance and resistance. Olushola Olajobi addresses plastic waste in ‘Infestation Series I’, confronting environmental degradation and advocating for sustainable practices in Nigeria
The partnership between The Macallan and Alexis Gallery enhances the power of art in driving sustainability awareness. Through Recycling Matters I, art lovers, collectors, and environmental advocates will witness the transformation of discarded objects into meaningful masterpieces. The exhibition not only captures the hidden value of waste but also encourages viewers to reconsider their role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.
In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands near Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. Crafted without compromise.