An Intimate Journey into the Sculptor's Soul
Curated by SMO Contemporary Art in collaboration with Temple Muse, "Sole to Soul" offers a unique and personal glimpse into the thoughts, techniques, and spiritual essence of a true master sculptor. More than just an artistic exhibition, this retrospective provides a deep contemplation of the human experience, intricately tied to Adewuyi's personal spirituality and rich African symbolism.
Through his bronze sculptures, which are both emotionally raw and technically masterful, Adewuyi explores universal themes such as suffering, resilience, societal decay, and the quiet strength found within human fragility. Works like "Poor Boy" and "The Other Side of Life" shed light on critical issues including displacement, migration politics, and psychological struggle, grounding each piece in a deeply personal and cultural narrative.
A Dedication to Discipline and the Lost-Wax Tradition
Since graduating from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he earned distinction and awards for Best Sculpture and Best General Drawing, Adewuyi has cultivated an art practice deeply rooted in discipline, process, and soul. He remains committed to the painstaking art of lost-wax bronze casting, a traditional method he executes entirely by hand.
A hallmark of Adewuyi's work is his distinctive use of elongated forms with oversized feet and diminished heads. This artistic choice is not merely stylistic; it's a powerful metaphor for grounded resilience and the immense weight of lived experience that humans carry.
Art as Dialogue: Giving Voice to Unspoken Stories
"My work reflects what I see around me — the unspoken stories of hardship, hope, and spiritual transformation," says Adewuyi, affectionately known as Kenny. "Art for me is not decoration — it’s dialogue. Each piece invites the viewer to reflect, question, and connect."
The exhibition marks a significant milestone, featuring life-sized sculptures for the first time in Nigeria, with some pieces standing over one and a half meters tall. These towering figures, characterized by their exaggerated anatomy and textured patinas, narrate tales of human endurance and spiritual journeys. Their evocative titles—such as "Don’t Lose Hope," "Why Me," "Come to My Aid," and "It’s Not Over Until It’s Over"—serve as prompts for emotional reflection, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the narratives embedded within each form.
The Weight of Material and Spirit: A Culmination of Prayer, Fire, and Transformation
Adewuyi's sculptures carry not only the physical weight of the bronze but also the emotional and spiritual journeys of humanity. The artist's reverence for his process—from building kilns from scratch and sourcing found metal to mastering the intricate lost-wax method—is central to the profound meaning of his work. Each sculpture is not merely a product; it is the culmination of prayer, fire, and transformation. These pieces stand as powerful testaments to the artist’s ongoing evolution and his relentless pursuit of craftsmanship.
Feet as Metaphor: Carrying the Seen and Unseen
According to curator Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, "Adewuyi’s sculptures remind us that life is experienced through the feet, not the head. His rough and smooth surfaces speak a universal language—one of faith, love, despair, and renewal. The feet are exaggerated, not for drama, but because they carry us through all that is seen and unseen." This insightful observation highlights the profound symbolism embedded in Adewuyi's unique anatomical portrayals.
Global Influences and Rigorous Honesty
Adewuyi's exposure to international workshops, particularly his ongoing relationship with France’s CPI-FAC (Centre de Potiers et Initiation à la Faïence et à la Céramique), has significantly enriched his practice. He has also dedicated himself to mentoring and teaching generations of aspiring artists. French ceramicist Céline Laurent Desor aptly describes his work: "Kenny’s bronzes are born from techniques both raw and delicate. His vision of the world is carved into bodies rooted in earth, carrying burdens that neither release nor grow—but remain—resilient and unmoving. He is an artist of rigorous honesty."
A Deeply Rooted Artistic Process
Hosted by Temple Muse and curated by SMO Contemporary Art, "Sole to Soul" will also feature rare works from Adewuyi’s student years and select pieces that have never before been shown to the public.
Avinash Wadhwani, Executive Director of Temple Muse, eloquently describes the artist's unique approach: "Before the heavy flow of molten bronze fills the mould, Kenny prays—and those prayers travel far. His creative process radiates a vibration that is as human as it is cosmic. It connects us all, in respect of the mystery and the breath of life. We are delighted to host Kenny’s second exhibition, as one of Nigeria’s foremost contemporary sculptors."
The exhibition is supported by The Macallan and will be officially opened by Mr. Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos. This exhibition promises to be a powerful and moving experience, inviting viewers to connect with the profound artistic vision of Adewuyi Kehinde.